Guyana: Workers in Guyana Seek Wages and Return Tickets

Several Indian nationals employed by an interior company in Guyana have expressed their desire to receive their unpaid wages and airline tickets to return home. The workers made their appeal during a picketing event, supported by members of the organization We Invest in Nationhood, including Executive Member Tabitha Sarbo-Halley and Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed.

One worker stated that they are still awaiting assistance from both the Ministry of Labour and the Indian High Commission. He emphasized, “We are all waiting for our tickets and our money back, and we need our justice only. We want to go India as well, as soon.” The group is currently being accommodated by a private individual, which the worker noted is challenging due to the size of the group. “We are staying at one good person’s shelter. So how long they will house us? We are all 37. The food is not easy for 37 persons,” he added.

The worker also addressed claims made to their families in India that they are missing, stating, “We are not missing. We are standing here. We met with the embassy. We are meeting with the government. We are in front of the government. Then how can they say we are missing?” He expressed concern that such claims are causing distress to their relatives.

Tabitha Sarbo-Halley criticized the Ministry of Labour for not adequately monitoring the working conditions at the company prior to the situation becoming public. She stated, “The Ministry of Labour has the right to send their workers at any point in time to any agency, to any company to figure out what is happening.” She argued that labor officials should have ensured proper working conditions and safety measures were in place.

Furthermore, Sarbo-Halley suggested that the situation could be classified as trafficking in persons, citing allegations that the workers’ passports were confiscated. She called for those responsible to be arrested and charged. She also urged for a broader investigation into other companies associated with businessman Saju Bhaskar, advocating for action if any breaches of Guyana’s laws are found.

Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed echoed these sentiments, criticizing the government’s response and highlighting that the workers have been stranded for an extended period. He remarked, “These men worked… and yet they don’t have humanity in them to give them what is owed to them, their money, their airfare back to India, so that they can finally reunite back with their families.” He characterized the situation as “modern day slavery” and accused the administration of lacking urgency in addressing the matter.

The workers continue to assert their demands for the payment of outstanding wages, return tickets, justice, and a safe return to India.

Source: hgptv.com