–rejects forced-labour allegations, claims workers being held, left without food

EKAA Hrim Resources on Thursday claimed that the 37 Indian nationals at the centre of an ongoing labour dispute were being “controlled,” while also alleging that information reaching the company suggested the workers did not know their location and were without food.

According to company consultant Yoganand Persaud, the whereabouts of the workers, who have been seen publicly alongside Azruddin Mohamed, remain unclear as the company continues attempts to contact them and return to negotiations.

“We don’t have any confirmation on what is happening, they are being held, but the information suggests that they are there and one of the texts that I have seen, not from our people, but someone who has been communicating with them have shown that they say they don’t know where they are, and that they don’t have food,” Persaud said during a press conference.

The company was at the time responding publicly to allegations made by the workers, who were employed at EKAA Hrim’s Region Seven operations.

During the press conference, company representatives rejected allegations of forced labour, abuse and worker exploitation while insisting that they have been co-operating fully with the Government of Guyana, the Ministry of Labour, the Guyana Police Force, and the High Commission of India in Guyana as investigations continue.

Company representative Karthick Muthuvel said the company remained committed to addressing concerns raised by employees, while engaging openly with authorities.

“We take every one of these concerns seriously. We are not here to argue with our own employees. We are here to put right what needs to be put right, and to co-operate fully with the Government of Guyana,” Muthuvel said.

He added that the company welcomed inspections and maintained close contact with the Indian High Commission.

Persaud also alleged that the workers were being influenced and controlled by individuals who had no legal authority over either the employees or the company.

“These people are here, they’re being controlled by an individual that [sic] don’t have the authority to deal with this company, that don’t have the authority to have them in this position, because these are Indian nationals, they were given a work permit to work with the employer, they were taken without the consent or permission of the employer, they were not informed when they took the employees away,” Persaud said.

Persaud went further, alleging that the workers were not under the control of any government ministry, but rather under the control of others.

“These are Indian nationals. We don’t have access to them. I don’t think they are in the ministry or any ministry’s control or possession. They are in the control and possession of the Opposition Leader,” Persaud said, while being grilled by reporters.

He further claimed that misinformation and threats were surrounding the issue as the matter continues to attract widespread attention on social media.

“What is happening, and what is being carried on social media is a distraction. There are a lot of threats being made by different people. I think that these workers have been used,” Persaud added.

According to Muthuvel, EKAA Hrim Quarry has consistently operated “responsibly, ethically and in accordance with applicable laws, regulations and operational standards,” while prioritising employee welfare and safety.

Addressing allegations of unpaid wages, the company said all salary obligations up to and including March 2026 had been fully settled, while payments for April and days worked in May would be paid during the course of the month.

Representatives also denied allegations relating to poor living conditions and inadequate meals at the mining camp.

Muthuvel said employees were provided with three meals daily, prepared by chefs from India following consultations with workers on dietary preferences and nutritional needs.

“Meal planning was conducted in direct consultation with the employees,” he said, while noting that food-preparation activities were monitored internally through photographic records and communication systems.

Regarding accommodation, the company said workers were housed in facilities equipped with fans, ventilation, sanitation facilities and weather protection.

Muthuvel stated that additional structures were later added at the camp to reduce heat exposure and improve comfort for workers during rest periods.

The company also defended its handling of transportation and employee mobility, saying workers were routinely transported to Bartica and Georgetown for shopping, medical appointments and personal matters.

According to the company, records were maintained documenting employees’ requests for travel and transportation arrangements.

Representatives further rejected descriptions of the company’s labour practices as “forced labour” or “slavery,” while denying claims that workers’ passports were confiscated.

“Every individual employed at the company’s Region Seven operations was engaged under a voluntary written employment contract. No employee was compelled to remain at the site against their will,” Muthuvel stated.

Another company representative explained that employees deposited their passports at the office for safekeeping and were able to access them whenever necessary.

It was noted that the company maintained a ledger documenting the release and return of passports whenever workers requested them for banking and other personal matters.

The company further argued that employees were not isolated, noting that workers travelled regularly to Bartica, Georgetown and nearby communities during weekends and holidays.

Muthuvel also claimed employees participated in recreational and community activities, including cricket matches and cultural events in Batavia Village.

“The allegations made against the company are factually inaccurate and are directly contradicted by the documented record presented here,” he said.

The company’s response comes after the group of Indian nationals raised concerns over long working hours, poor living and working conditions, low salaries, and the handling of their travel documents.

The workers’ passports were subsequently returned following intervention by the Ministry of Labour.

Investigations into the matter are still ongoing.