The council did not display a lack of interest in the welfare of injured employee

Dear Editor,

The Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown express their deepest regrets with regard to an incident that occurred on Tuesday, January 5, 2010 in which a city employee, Vishu Seepaul, was severely injured.

A report in Stabroek News dated Friday, January 8, 2010 captioned ‘Tree cutter falls 20 feet’ (p 10) seems to suggest that the Mayor and City Council has displayed a lack of interest in the welfare of the employee. This is totally inaccurate.

The Health and Safety Officer, Mr Dale Beresford, was summoned to the scene of the accident. He responded promptly and accompanied the injured employee to the hospital, where he ensured that prompt treatment was administered. Also, family members too were contacted and spoken to in relation to the incident.

Further, the Health and Safety Officer has visited the injured employee every day since his admission to the Georgetown Public Hospital. The council is conducting an investigation into the accident.

In addition, the council has put in place a special monetary package to cater for the financial needs of the employee while he is hospitalized.

The council has always been committed to the welfare of its workers.

Yours faithfully,
Royston King
Public Relations Officer