APNU Member of Parliament, Sharma Solomon, is pressing the Government and the relevant state agencies to stop the pussyfooting and act on the unsafe mining practices in the country.

In a statement, Mr. Solomon singled out recent incidents at the gold mining operations at Aurora Mining. Just over a month ago, a worker’s protest over the lack of safety equipment and protective gear for the underground mine, triggered a physical altercation with a supervisor. The worker was fired.

The Ministry of Labour quickly launched an investigation of the incident and the mining operations at the company. However, although the probe has been completed, the findings and recommendations are still to be made public.

MP Solomon in a statement, reminded that tens of thousands are employed in the mines, many continue to work in one of the most hazardous industries.

He said over the years, various reports from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission and the Occupational Safety and Health inspectors point to recurring issues.

“Complaints of inadequate PPE, weak oversight at remote sites, and preventable occupational illnesses linked to dust and poor ventilation. These are not theoretical risks. They are documented consequences of the many regulatory inactions”, Solomon said.

According to the Opposition MP, when workers say they are not being heard, history points out that they are usually right.

He said there is need for more than just promises of attention being given to the issues, since attention without action is meaningless.

On the issue of the Aurora investigation, Solomon said there needs to be accountability and serious action taken, as the complaints of the workers about the unsafe mining practices continue.

“The report is completed. Now, just like that, the urgency has evaporated. Our miners see a minister swiftly defending the system, citing training schedules, and reciting the law, but can not find the time to examine a report that goes to the heart of their safety and rights. This nonchalant response sends a dangerous signal across the sector, that compliance is optional, accountability can wait, and the welfare of workers is not a priority for this government”, MP Solomon stated.

He said a government serious about labour rights, would treat the findings of the probe with the same haste it shows in protecting corporate interests.

The Labour Ministry has not indicated when the findings of its probe will be made public.

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