Family of dead geologist still to receive compensation

The family of the late Ryan Taylor, a geologist attached to the Australian-owned mining company – Troy Resources— is still awaiting compensation from the company and more so, the findings of the investigation as it relates to his death.

Taylor’s mother, June Taylor, in a telephone interview, told Guyana Times that since the passing of her son, it has been difficult for the family to cope.
Moreover, she added that the bills are making her frustrated as the family was not prepared for the unfortunate incident.
“None of us were prepared for this emotionally nor financially. I’m now frustrated as the bills and other responsibilities are overwhelming and I’m finding it extremely difficult to cope,” the grieving mother added.
According to the grieving mother, she met with the Chief Executive Officer on November 8, 2019, who assured her that he would intervene but she is still waiting on a word.
“I met with the CEO of the company Ken Nelson on November 8, 2019, and he has promised to intervene and come to a settlement but to date, I’ve heard nothing from him. Whenever I call the company, I’m being told by the human resources manager that she cannot give any answers since she has not received any word from Mr Nelson,” the frustrated mother stated.
The mother added that she had reached out to the company on several occasions but never received any response. In fact, she related that she had even written a letter to the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Ken Nelson, but to date, she has not received a word.
“I have reached out to them (Troy Resources) on several occasions for answers into my son’s death and also for them to discuss how they plan to assist us through compensation and to this date, I have not been given a word as to when and what they plan to do”.
Taylor died on October 8, 2019, while working on the construction of a “bench” in a mining pit operated by Troy’s Karouni, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).
It was reported that slippage occurred which led to him falling and being covered by the rubble.
However, in light of the incident, Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman has since instructed the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter but so far, no report was submitted about the investigation.
At least eighteen persons have lost their lives as a result of workplace accidents across the country for 2018 and 2019. Based on reports, out of the 18 work-related deaths, nine were from the mining sector, which recorded the highest number. Six of the deaths in the mining sector occurred for this year as opposed to five in 2018.
However, the results of all these investigations remain unknown as the Department of Labour has not been forthcoming. (Shemar Alleyne)