Businessman Peter Lewis has categorically rejected accusations that he and his company hired Brazilian nationals and subsequently failed to pay them. He described the claims as “inaccurate and misleading.”
In a statement on Saturday, Lewis clarified that his company contracted the Brazilian workers through a medical professional who presented herself as authorized to facilitate their entry into Guyana for employment. He explained that significant upfront payments were made to this intermediary, but the work agreement soon began to unravel.
According to Lewis, the initial financial terms were set at GYD $55 million. However, after the workers arrived, their representative allegedly demanded GYD $125 million—an increase that Lewis deemed unacceptable.
As negotiations broke down, no work was completed. Lewis stated that the workers were housed in a hotel provided by his company for three days, where hotel staff could confirm they spent most of their time.
The businessman revealed that his company incurred approximately GYD $2.3 million covering the workers’ travel, meals, and accommodation, despite the job for which they were brought remaining unfulfilled.
Lewis noted that he had sought to formalize contracts for the workers. However, communication issues arose, as the workers continued to request additional payment through an interpreter, complicating the negotiations further.
He asserted that he retains receipts for all financial transactions related to the engagement and emphasized that his company acted in good faith throughout the process. Lewis firmly rejected any insinuation that the workers were exploited or left without payment.
