THE Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning is continuing its investigation into allegations of abuse involving foreign workers employed by mining company Ekaa Hrim Earth Resources in Batavia Village, Region Seven, with Labour Minister Keoma Griffith saying the government is focused on hearing “both sides” before drawing conclusions.
The ministry launched the probe following complaints made by 38 nationals of India attached to the company. In a statement issued on May 18, the ministry said the investigation began after reports surfaced alleging mistreatment of the workers.
According to the ministry, Griffith subsequently met with Acting High Commissioner of India to Guyana, Manoj Kumar, before participating in a general meeting involving the workers, company management, and ministry officials. The meeting provided an opportunity for the workers to outline their grievances.
Providing an update on Wednesday, Griffith said the ministry has been treating the matter with urgency since Monday and has already conducted interviews and collected statements from all parties involved.
He said the ministry’s primary concern is the welfare and working conditions of all workers contributing to Guyana’s development.
Griffith also disclosed that he met with representatives of Ekaa Hrim Earth Resources and demanded the return of the workers’ passports, which he said was subsequently done.
“We are now examining all of the issues that have been raised out of that incident, whether it pertains to their contract[s], their living and working conditions and all of it,” the minister said. “We gave them a 24-hour period to supply us with information. They have complied with it. I am having another meeting with them again today at 1 pm. This is an ongoing process.”
The investigation is being conducted through an inter-ministerial approach, with support from the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security and the Ministry of Home Affairs.
While no timeline has been given for completion of the probe, Griffith stressed that the ministry intends to conduct a thorough and balanced investigation before releasing any definitive findings.
“I will never cause anybody in my ministry, nor will I ever put the horse before the cart in any allegation,” Griffith told reporters. “It is my duty to ensure that everything is examined before we come to the media or to the public to give information. We will not be irresponsible and give misinformation to the public.”