News Source Guyana Reports | APNU Member of Parliament Sharma Solomon is urging the government and relevant state agencies to take immediate action against unsafe mining practices in Guyana. In a recent statement, Solomon highlighted alarming incidents at Aurora Mining, where a worker’s protest over inadequate safety equipment led to a physical altercation with a supervisor, resulting in the worker’s dismissal.
The Ministry of Labour launched an investigation into the incident and the broader operations at Aurora Mining. However, although the probe has concluded, the findings and recommendations have yet to be made public.
Solomon emphasized that tens of thousands of workers are employed in the mining sector, many exposed to hazardous conditions. He pointed out that various reports from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission and Occupational Safety and Health inspectors have consistently flagged issues such as inadequate personal protective equipment (PPE), weak oversight at remote sites, and preventable occupational illnesses linked to poor ventilation and dust exposure.
“These are not theoretical risks. They are documented consequences of regulatory inaction,” Solomon asserted. He stressed that when workers feel unheard, their concerns are often justified.
The MP criticized the government’s approach, stating that mere promises to address these issues without concrete action are meaningless. He expressed frustration over the lack of urgency in responding to the completed Aurora investigation, questioning why the findings are not prioritized.
“Our miners see a minister swiftly defending the system while failing to examine a report that directly impacts their safety and rights,” Solomon stated. “This nonchalant response suggests that compliance is optional and that worker welfare is not a priority for this government.”
He argued that a government serious about labor rights would treat the probe’s findings with the same urgency it shows in protecting corporate interests. As of now, the Labour Ministry has not provided a timeline for when the investigation’s results will be made public.
