Sugar workers injured after lorry topples

Apr 10, 2015 News

---

…Seven remain hospitalised

By Leon Suseran
An estate lorry (GEE 2664) transporting 59 sugar workers attached to the 17B Gang to work at Albion East 112 capsized into a nearby sideline around 05:50 hrs yesterday while negotiating a right turn upon crossing the Rose Hall 19 High Bridge.
All of the occupants of the lorry were thrown out of the vehicle, resulting in a number of them sustaining injuries, though minor. There were no casualties. Kaieteur News was informed by a close estate source that the driver, “was a seasoned one,” who used the same route used during all the years.
According to a Press Release issued by the Guyana Sugar Corporation early yesterday afternoon, vehicles were arranged to transport the injured workers to seek medical attention.
“Nine workers were taken to the Port Mourant Primary Health Care Centre where they were examined by the Medex. Eight persons were sent home, while one was referred to the Port Mourant Hospital.” He was later transferred to New Amsterdam.
The statement went on to say, “twenty workers were taken to the Port Mourant Hospital where they were examined by Doctors and referred to the N/A Hospital.
“At the N/A Hospital, 21 workers referred from Port Mourant Hospital were immediately attended to by a group of doctors who were on standby…”
The workers, the statement read, underwent x-rays, which according to doctors, revealed that there were no fractures. “However, nine workers were admitted for further observation while the other 12 were treated and sent home.”
Up to press time, seven workers were resting yesterday at the N/A Hospital.
The statement ended by saying that, “Management of the Estate will continue to monitor the condition of the workers who suffered from this mishap and will provide whatever assistance needed.”
Acting President Samuel Hinds; Minister of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran; Region Six Chairman, Mr. David Armogan; Medical Superintendent of N/A Hospital, Dr. Vishalya Sharma; Former Members of Parliament, Dr. Vishwa Mahadeo and Faizal M. Jaffarally, and Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy were among those who visited the seven sugar workers who were resting at the N/A Hospital yesterday morning. Among them were: V. Mangal; Balkarran; R. Mooklall; G. Park; V. Goberdhan; R. Seeram; and F. Ghannie.
Also among those visiting were Human Resources Manager of GuySuCo, Mr. Veemen Walter.
At a specially- convened Press Conference at the Boardroom of the Berbice Regional Health Authority (BRHA), in Fort Canje, to brief the media about the situation, Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy noted that ,”The truck in which they were traveling, skidded off the road into a dry trench area. There were 59 workers that were in the truck.” The minister went on to say that the senior officials at GuySuCo’s Albion Estate were immediately informed and reported to the scene.
Senior Management from the Estate reported around 06:10 hrs, he said, “and the first injured workers reported to the clinic at Port Mourant Hospital around 06:20 hrs.” The nine workers who reported to that clinic were treated and discharged.
The Minister commended management for their quick response. “As Minister, I’ve instructed that all resources be put in place, if there are further medical needs ….GuySuCo will continue in accordance with all of the provisions…and ensure that every worker—not only receive care, but benefits they are entitled to.”
He said that the company will be visiting the families of those workers who have been discharged. He has instructed the N/A Hospital and BRHA to update the general public about the progress of those still hospitalized, by 09:00 hrs today.
Ramsammy emphasized that the incident was an industrial accident, “that is now a medical issue…and that we should not politicize this matter,” though the temptation to do so will be “enormous.”
He said that President Donald Ramotar, who is on overseas State business also issued a brief statement and has been in communication with him, GuySuCo, and the Region Six Administration. Dr. Ramsammy went on to say that the accident should not have a major impact on the industry’s production.
President Ramotar, in Jamaica at the time, issued the following statement:
Upon learning of the accident involving several sugar workers at  Albion Sugar Estate this morning, I  immediately contacted GuySuCo management and was pleased that management had already put in place and committed all necessary resources to ensure quality care and treatment is provided.
I am also in contact with the health sector to ensure that they are able to provide all health interventions necessary for the quick healing of any injury and ensure that those who may need specialist care are able to immediately access all care needed in the short term and long term.
At the same time, I have also directed officials within my government , specifically in the Health Sector, to assist in this regard. I am aware that the Acting President, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, together with Ministers Ramsammy and (Bheri) Ramsaran have been at the hospital and they will work with GuySuCo and the health officials to ensure optimal care.
It is the hope of myself and government that those injured make a speedy recovery and their families benefit from the established mechanisms of counseling and assistance in this difficult period.
I will continue to monitor the situation while overseas on State business.
Our comrades in the sugar industry, particularly our field workers, have been working diligently  to keep production on pace with target. We continue to be very grateful for the maximal effort being made by sugar workers in our country. It is my hope that all stakeholders continue to support each other as we work together to overcome challenges and threats to our industry from both local and international sources.
In the meantime, we will ensure that all workers who were injured receive the best care available in our country and that they do not lose any benefits that workers are entitled to.”

---

---