Iceland dismisses Venaani’s concerns over N$13m Samherji grant
The Icelandic government has dismissed Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) leader McHenry Venaani’s demand that it review a decision to award controversial Icelandic fishing giant Samherji a grant of over N$13 million.
Samherji - which is at the heart of Namibia’s biggest corruption scandal, Fishrot - stands accused of paying massive bribes since 2012 to benefit from Namibia's fishing sector, where quotas were diverted from companies, leading to massive job losses.
Earlier this month, Venaani wrote to Iceland’s prime minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir, asking her to reconsider a proposed renewable energy grant to Samherji worth 100 million Icelandic krona (about N$13.7 million at yesterday’s exchange rate).
The PDM politician advised that the money rather be channelled to Namibian fishermen who lost their livelihoods due to the company’s alleged involvement in Fishrot.
The grant is for Samherji to swop its vessels’ use of fossil fuel for carbon-free ammonia, The Namibian reported.
Still under investigation
Venaani called on Jakobsdóttir to leverage Iceland’s reputation for ethical conduct.
“Madam prime minister, I urge you to use your moral leadership to demand that Samherji pay compensation to the thousands of Namibian fishermen who lost their jobs due to the company’s greed and malfeasance.”
But on 21 November, Jakobsdóttir responded to Venaani saying the issues he raised in his letter fall under another ministry.
According to the Icelandic government, its decision to award the grant to Samherji was based on objective criteria, as projects which promise quick benefit for the climate are prioritised.
“Therefore, this grant can in no way be interpreted as support or recognition of the company with respect to its activities in Namibia. Since you also refer to compensation to alleged victims and that the company be held accountable, we recall that those activities, to the extent they fall under Icelandic jurisdiction, are still under investigation.”
Not impressed
Venaani said the response is aloof to the matters he raised, such as accountability and conscious.
“I think a country such as Iceland - that has companies that are involved in a lot of greed, malfeasance - undermines the systems and processes of our republic. From a prime minister’s office, one would want to hear a reply that it is committed to transparency and accountability instead of ducking and diving.”
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Samherji - which is at the heart of Namibia’s biggest corruption scandal, Fishrot - stands accused of paying massive bribes since 2012 to benefit from Namibia's fishing sector, where quotas were diverted from companies, leading to massive job losses.
Earlier this month, Venaani wrote to Iceland’s prime minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir, asking her to reconsider a proposed renewable energy grant to Samherji worth 100 million Icelandic krona (about N$13.7 million at yesterday’s exchange rate).
The PDM politician advised that the money rather be channelled to Namibian fishermen who lost their livelihoods due to the company’s alleged involvement in Fishrot.
The grant is for Samherji to swop its vessels’ use of fossil fuel for carbon-free ammonia, The Namibian reported.
Still under investigation
Venaani called on Jakobsdóttir to leverage Iceland’s reputation for ethical conduct.
“Madam prime minister, I urge you to use your moral leadership to demand that Samherji pay compensation to the thousands of Namibian fishermen who lost their jobs due to the company’s greed and malfeasance.”
But on 21 November, Jakobsdóttir responded to Venaani saying the issues he raised in his letter fall under another ministry.
According to the Icelandic government, its decision to award the grant to Samherji was based on objective criteria, as projects which promise quick benefit for the climate are prioritised.
“Therefore, this grant can in no way be interpreted as support or recognition of the company with respect to its activities in Namibia. Since you also refer to compensation to alleged victims and that the company be held accountable, we recall that those activities, to the extent they fall under Icelandic jurisdiction, are still under investigation.”
Not impressed
Venaani said the response is aloof to the matters he raised, such as accountability and conscious.
“I think a country such as Iceland - that has companies that are involved in a lot of greed, malfeasance - undermines the systems and processes of our republic. From a prime minister’s office, one would want to hear a reply that it is committed to transparency and accountability instead of ducking and diving.”
[email protected]
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