The Ekaa Hrim Resources company, which is at the centre of allegations of labour abuses by a group of Indian Nationals who were working at its Region 7 operations, is pushing back against the allegations.

At a hastily called press conference this afternoon, company officials denied the allegations and said they are working along fully with the Ministry of Labour and other Government Departments that are probing the claims.

According to the company, the workers were never prevented from leaving the mining site and they were paid their salaries up until the end of March, with their April salaries and payments for the days worked in May to be paid this month. Company official, Karthick Muthuvel, said all payments on behalf of the workers to the National Insurance Scheme and the Guyana Revenue Authority are all up to date.

“The company confirms that it has continued to make all the statutory payments to the Guyana Revenue Authority and the National Insurance Scheme in accordance with its obligations…the company maintains records of all of its statutory obligations since the commencement of its operations”, he assured.

He said employees were provided with adequate and quality meals that were prepared by a Chef who was brought in from India to meet their dietary needs.

According to the official, “the company provided the employees with adequate and valued meals daily with meal planning done in direct consultation with the employees reflecting the company’s commitment to meet their dietary preferences and nutritional needs”.

The company has also denied allegations of it confiscating the passports of the foreign workers.

The Company officials say they will continue to work along with the officials in Guyana conducting the probe, while making it clear that the company has been respectful to the laws of Guyana.

The Ministry of Labour along with the Ministry of Home Affairs and other Government agencies are investigating the company over the complaints made by the workers.

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