Latest update March 13th, 2026 12:35 AM
Protocols under review following Courtney Benn Wharf tragedy
…Broomes urges stronger legal protections for workers operating in high-risk environments
(Kaieteur News) – All safety and operational protocols surrounding the incident at Courtney Benn Wharf on Water Street, Georgetown where four men were found dead are currently under review as investigations continue.
This was disclosed by Minister of Labour and Manpower, Keoma Griffith, during a brief interview with reporters on Tuesday. The bodies of four Guyanese men were discovered on February 4 aboard a vessel docked at the Courtney Benn Wharf. Police identified the deceased as Brandon Deonarine, 18, a seaman of Supply, East Bank Demerara; Nerwaine Persaud, 57, a boat captain of Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara; Dominic Alexis, 33, a seaman of De Kendren, West Coast Demerara; and Getindra Sanchara, 25, an engineer of Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara.
Dominic Alexis (33)
Brandon Deonarine (18)
Getindra Sanichara
Nerwaine Persaud
Kaieteur News was informed by a staff member at the wharf that the men, who were regular workers at the location, had been instructed to enter the engine room of the vessel to carry out repairs. While they were working, a chemical gas allegedly began emanating from the engine compartment, resulting in the men’s deaths. Preliminary police investigations indicate that the men were inspecting a dry space within the lower section of the vessel’s engine room when they were reportedly exposed to suspected noxious fumes and collapsed.
When asked on Tuesday for an update on the investigation, Minister Griffith said the probe remains ongoing. “The investigation is still ongoing. We are awaiting the final report from the police and as soon as we have more information, we’re going to share with all of you,” he stated.
When questioned about whether a toxicology report had been requested, the minister said he was not aware of any such testing being conducted. “I don’t know of any toxicology reports or toxicology assessments being requested,” he said. However, Griffith confirmed that all protocols related to the incident are being examined. “All of the protocols involved are currently under review and assessment, so I am not able to provide that information at this time,” the minister added.
Meanwhile, the Assembly for Liberty and Prosperity (ALP), led by Simona Broomes, has expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased while calling for stronger legal protections for workers operating in high-risk environments. “This incident underscores the urgent need for stronger and more explicit legal protections for workers in high-risk environments,” the ALP said in a statement. The party called for a comprehensive review and reform of Guyana’s Occupational Safety and Health legislative framework to address confined spaces, vessel operations, mandatory gas detection systems, emergency response protocols, employer accountability, and the provision of adequate and timely compensation to the families or next of kin of workers who die in the course of their employment.
The ALP said the tragedy raises serious concerns about workplace safety, emergency response capacity, and accountability. “It is unacceptable for families and the public to be left with uncertainty and unanswered questions when lives have been lost,” the statement added.
The party further urged relevant authorities to immediately review safety practices and enforcement mechanisms relating to confined spaces, maritime operations, and occupational health standards to prevent a recurrence of such a devastating loss of life.
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