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The Icelandic government has rejected a request by People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) leader McHenry Venani to review its decision to award more than N$13 million in grants to controversial Icelandic fishing giant Samherji.
Samheji is at the heart of Namibia’s biggest corruption scandal, the “fish corruption case”, where he is accused of paying huge bribes since 2012 to benefit from Namibia’s fisheries sector, where quotas were diverted from companies, leading to massive job losses.
Earlier this month, Venani wrote to Iceland’s Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir, asking her to reconsider providing Samhegi with a renewable energy subsidy of 100 million Icelandic kronor (about N$13.7 million at yesterday’s exchange rate).
PDM politicians suggested that the money should be used to help Namibian fishermen who lost their livelihoods due to the company’s alleged involvement in the Fishrot incident.
The grant will help Samherji switch from fossil fuels used in its ships to carbon-free ammonia, The Namibian reported.
Still investigating
Vinani called on Jakobsdottir to capitalize on Iceland’s reputation for ethical behavior.
“Madam Prime Minister, I urge you to exercise your moral leadership and demand that Samheji compensate the thousands of Namibian fishermen who have lost their jobs due to the company’s greed and malfeasance.”
But on November 21, Jakobsdottir responded to Venani, saying that the issues he raised in his letter fell within the responsibilities of other departments.
The Icelandic government said the decision to provide funding to Samhegi was based on objective criteria, as projects that were expected to deliver rapid climate benefits would be prioritized.
“This grant can therefore in no way be interpreted as support or endorsement of the company’s activities in Namibia. Since you also mentioned compensation for the alleged victims and that the company should be held accountable, we remind you that these activities, insofar as they fall within Icelandic jurisdiction, are still under investigation.”
Not impressed
Vinani said the responses were only to the issues raised by him, such as responsibility and awareness.
“I believe that countries like Iceland – where companies are accused of greed, malfeasance – undermine the institutions and processes of our republic. The Prime Minister’s Office wants to hear that the government is committed to transparency and accountability, not to shirking responsibility.”
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