The Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning in Guyana has commenced a multi-agency investigation into Ekaa HRIM Earth Resources Management due to allegations of forced labor, starvation, and human trafficking involving Indian workers at its quarry in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni). A joint task force, which includes labor officers, the Guyana Police Force, and the Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Unit, was deployed to the site to address these allegations.
In response to the situation, the Ministry has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to Ekaa HRIM, requiring the company to provide a detailed written response to the reported labor violations. This action follows an emergency diplomatic meeting where Labour Minister Keoma Griffith met with the Acting Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Manoj Kumar. The Minister also conducted hearings with both the affected workers and the company’s executives.
One of the primary concerns of the investigation is the alleged illegal confiscation of the workers’ travel documents. The Ministry confirmed that, following Minister Griffith’s intervention, all seized passports have been returned to the thirty-eight Indian workers involved.
In addition to the passport issue, the Ministry is also looking into the circumstances surrounding the death of one of the workers, Sekhar Chhetri, which occurred on May 12, 2026. The workers have reported being denied basic necessities such as food and clean drinking water, having their salaries withheld, and being subjected to unsafe working conditions. Allegations have also been made regarding threats from management when workers protested, including being locked inside the quarry and attempts to extort money for their release.
The political opposition has criticized the government’s response to these allegations, with Odessa Primus, General Secretary of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, expressing concern over the impact on Guyana’s international reputation. The Ministry of Labour has stated that the investigation is ongoing and that potential criminal and industrial charges are being considered as the deadline for the company’s response approaches.
Source: hgptv.com
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