Royal gift brings special joy to fishermen brothers

Bahrain…my mother” is the name two Bahraini fishermen chose for a boat gifted to them by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa as an appreciation to the Kingdom and its Wise Leadership. The story goes back to last May, when Bahraini brothers Mohammed and Jassim Falamarzi were reportedly asked by the municipality officials to remove their iceboxes and clear the spot where they sell fish at in Hamad Town, claiming that their activity is unauthorised.

Mohammed appeared in footage back then while complying with the instructions of the officials and saying he would not refuse instructions that benefit “our mother Bahrain”. The video quickly went viral online with thousands of users sharing it on different social media platforms.   About a week later, during the first week of the Holy Month of Ramadan and while both brothers ordinarily sold their fish in another location in Hamad Town, HM the King’s Representative for Charity Works and Youth Affairs, Supreme Council for Youth and Sports Chairman and Bahrain Olympic Committee President HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa paid them a surprise visit.

Overwhelmed with the shock, the men welcomed Shaikh Nasser who told them that he was assigned by HM the King to visit them and stand on their needs and requirements. “I am here to convey HM the King’s greetings,” Shaikh Nasser told both fishermen while praising their hard work and devotion

Shaikh Nasser reassured the Falamarzis that he will help them issue a Commercial Registration (CR) certificate to authorise their fish-selling activities. Additionally, Shaikh Nasser was escorted by the representatives of one of Bahrain’s main wholesalers so they could agree with the Falamarzis to buy their catch on a daily basis. Shaikh Nasser also promised the men with a new bigger boat and said he would also assist them in opening a seafood restaurant in the near future.

Tribune yesterday spoke to Mohammed Falamarzi, who confirmed that he received the boat and its ownership certificate from the factory on Thursday, adding that he also completed its registration procedures with the Coast Guards on Sunday. Mr Falamarzi said he had chosen the name “Bahrain…My Mother” as an appreciation of the Kingdom and its leaders. 

“The name was approved and I have fixed it on the boat,” Mr Falamarzi said, while informing that their first fishing trip using the new boat will be from Budaiya Fishermen’s Port today. He told that the new boat (27- foot) is bigger than the one they own (22-ft) and has more advanced features. The fisherman commented, “This would sure improve our work and would be a motive for us to work more actively.” Mr Falamarzi added, “This is an indescribable joy. It reflects the generosity, kindheartedness and concern of our leaders towards the people of our motherland Bahrain.”