Dear Editor,

The Ministry of Labour has continued to experience gaps in the enforcement of the safety requirements for the construction industry. The number of deaths has bounced back to previous levels, and the recent fall and death of a Chinese citizen while working at height on the construction site for the new Demerara Bridge are indicative of the problem before us.

CRG has mentioned the importance of using Fall Protection on numerous occasions, but these incidents continue to occur. Major construction and public work projects should have dedicated Environmental, Health and Safety personnel onsite who are controlling aspects of the project where high risk is involved. The issuing of onsite permits and safety gear such as fall protection when such works will be undertaken during the project must become the norm in order to prevent the reoccurrence and reduce the risk of injury during these major projects.

We all remember the recent early morning meeting with the President. Let’s ensure that the budget process keeps this in mind so as to prevent further national embarrassment. The government must be prepared to staff and support the projects which it undertakes.

The upcoming budget presentation should be cognizant of the human resource limitations at the ministries and within the country. This should inform how they structure the development strategy. It will help to ensure that spending is more effective & efficient, and will help prevent the economy from overheating due to the additional market constraints that can result. We must as a country do what is within our current capabilities and be cautious not to repeat the mistakes of the recent past that have resulted in several projects being poorly executed, which also exceeded budget targets. The recent debacle in Ruimveldt where powerline poles toppled is another example of the problem.

With concern,

Mr. Jamil Changlee

Chairman

The Cooperative Republicans of Guyana