Two Uitvlugt Estate employees sacked over dead man’s pay

By Kurt Campbell

[www.inewsguyana.com] – Two employees attached to the Uitvlugt Sugar Estate were sent packing Wednesday morning (February 5) by Management over allegations that they stole a dead man’s pay to the tune of $31,000. The two persons have been identified as a Field Supervisor and a Field Foreman.

When contacted before noon today (Wednesday February 5), Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Sugar Corporation Paul Bhim would only confirm that a junior and senior staff was dismissed and that a protest had ensued. He told iNews that he was being briefed at the time and could not provide any further details. Calls to his phone later went unanswered.

However, according to the dismissed Field Supervisor, Ravi Dasrat, last May salaries were paid to their gang, but he was unaware that one of the members was dead.

He told iNews that management did not object then; when the dead man’s salary was processed. Dasrat further explained that there is no organized way in which management pays the various gangs and that persons who work with the estate would just come and collect their monies. He claimed he has no knowledge of what exactly happened to the cheque but is willing to repay.

The dismissed and irate employee, who claimed he gave in excess of 21 years of service to the estate, further related that he was surprised when he received a letter from management informing him of the termination of his services.

“They should have come and ask, I’m sure it was a mistake … I think it is a draconian act by management to dismiss us and accuse me of theft and fraudulent behavior,” he told iNews.

Meanwhile, the Field Foreman, Asgar Alli – Roshan also vented his disappointment with the treatment he received. He said, “I struggled all my life for this estate and I am innocent … the decision is wrong totally, I have no knowledge.”

Representatives from GAWU and NAACIE are not pleased with the way in which the management of the Uitvlugt Sugar Estate dealt with the matter. They believe it was rash and should be reversed.

The two men are being supported by their colleagues, who have since embarked on strike action. They have vowed to continue the action until the matter is resolved.