THE Ministry of Labour’s Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Department has launched an investigation into a tragic workplace accident that claimed the lives of two miners in Region Eight.
The incident occurred on August 15th, 2024, at an unregistered land dredge in St. Elizabeth, Mahdia, within the Potaro Mining District number two.
The deceased have been identified as 19-year-old Imran Blake of Kuru Kuru College, Linden-Soesdyke Highway, and 26-year-old Sherwayne Joseph.

According to the Ministry of Labour, the miners, along with six others, began their workday at approximately 06:00 hrs. However, the day took a deadly turn at around 23:15 hrs. when the pit walls suddenly collapsed.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing rumbling sounds before the walls gave way, trapping both Joseph and Blake beneath the debris. Despite efforts to raise the alarm and evacuate the area, the two men were unable to escape in time.
In response to the incident, Occupational Safety and Health Officer, Ray Hosannah and Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) Safety Officer, Irvie London, were dispatched to the site. The officers commenced a preliminary investigation to determine the cause of the accident and to develop recommendations aimed at preventing similar tragedies in the future.

Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton, has extended his deepest sympathies to the families, friends, and colleagues of the deceased. He emphasised the critical importance of adhering to safety and health practices in the workplace to prevent such avoidable tragedies.
“Employers must ensure that their operations are conducted with the highest regard for safety,” Minister Hamilton stated. “We must all work together to protect the lives of our workers.”
The investigation is ongoing as authorities seek to uncover the factors that led to the fatal collapse and to hold accountable those responsible for maintaining safety at the worksite.