Guyana: Indian Quarry Company Denies Workers’ Allegations, Investigation Ongoing

Labour Minister Keoma Griffith stated that the Indian company EKAA HRIM Earth Resources Management, which operates a quarry in Batavia, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), has denied allegations made by workers. Griffith did not provide specific details regarding the ongoing investigation but confirmed that both sides are being examined.

“I can’t tell you that as yet. Of course, they have denied the allegations. I can tell you that much. It now calls on us to investigate both sides,” said Griffith, who is a lawyer by profession. He added that more information would be shared as it becomes available.

The inter-ministerial team is investigating issues related to workers’ contracts, living conditions, health and safety environments, and personal property belonging to the workers. Griffith noted that EKAA HRIM Earth Resources Management complied with a 24-hour ultimatum issued on Monday, and a meeting with company representatives was scheduled for Wednesday at 1 PM.

Following Griffith’s intervention with the Indian High Commission, passports belonging to 38 workers were returned, although he did not specify who returned them. “I met the representatives of the company and I demanded in no uncertain terms that their passports be returned to them by 1 PM on that day. Within a short turnaround time, the passports were returned to them,” he stated.

Griffith mentioned that the company refuted allegations regarding the retention of workers’ passports. He emphasized that he could not make claims of human trafficking without evidence, stating, “I’m not going to make an allegation of human trafficking without a demand. I cannot do that. That will be irresponsible of me.”

Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed, who has been vocal about the workers’ grievances and facilitated their transport to Georgetown, has alleged that their experiences amounted to human trafficking. Regarding unpaid salaries, he noted that EKAA HRIM Earth Resources Management representatives provided explanations for some outstanding payments and he is awaiting further information. One employee has reportedly died, and another who lost four fingers while in Guyana has since returned to India.

Source: demerarawaves.com