The Labour Ministry of Guyana has confirmed that 38 Indian nationals employed at a quarry in Batavia, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), will receive all outstanding payments by May 27, 2026. This announcement follows discussions involving Labour Minister Keoma Griffith, India’s Deputy High Commissioner, and other Guyanese officials regarding the workers’ conditions.
Despite the commitment to pay outstanding salaries, Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed has reported that EKAA HRIM Earth Resources has not agreed to cover the return airfares for most of the workers. According to Mohamed, the company claims that many workers breached their contracts, which they argue disqualifies them from receiving airfare reimbursements. The company has indicated a willingness to cover the costs for only a few workers who have been employed for three years.
The Labour Ministry stated that both parties discussed various issues and agreed to provide additional supporting documentation in the coming week. Each worker met with representatives from EKAA HRIM Earth Resources, as well as officials from the ministries of labour, legal affairs, home affairs, and human services, along with India’s acting High Commissioner to Guyana, Manoj Kumar.
Mohamed expressed concerns regarding the Labour Ministry’s handling of the situation, stating that the rights of the workers have not been adequately protected. He noted that the workers have not received pay slips and alleged that the company deducted additional amounts from their earnings as security.
Furthermore, Mohamed mentioned that police were called to the meeting and informed him that he would not be allowed to participate. He and other representatives from the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party had previously highlighted the workers’ plight during a visit to the quarry.
Currently, the workers are being accommodated at one of Mohamed’s properties, where they are provided with meals. A lawyer has been consulted regarding allegations of human trafficking, as the workers claimed their passports were held by the company. However, EKAA HRIM Earth Resources consultant Yoganand Persaud stated that the workers voluntarily submitted their passports for safekeeping, which have since been returned following intervention from the Labour Minister and the acting Indian High Commissioner.
Source: demerarawaves.com
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