President to investigate grievances of laid off Berbice guards

President David Granger (right) speaking to the guards. (Ministry of the Presidency photo)
President David Granger (right) speaking to the guards. (Ministry of the Presidency photo)

President David Granger yesterday promised former guards in Berbice, who were laid off by a private security firm, that he would seek to resolve their dispute with the company, which they say has not paid salaries since last December.

A press release from the Ministry of the Presidency said President Granger met with the group of former guards at New Amsterdam, where they explained their plight.

They complained that they were victimised by the company’s Chief Executive Officer after a few workers voiced their concerns in the media. The release said that the president assured the group that he will look into the matter and try to find a way forward, while noting that it is beyond unreasonable for workers to be left without salaries for such a long period.

The release did not name the service. However, guards in both regions Six and Five attached to Integrated Security Services, which has contracts for the provision of security to government buildings in both regions, have recently staged protests over the delay in the payment of salaries.

On Wednesday, guards from West Coast Berbice, who are attached to the same security firm, staged a protest in front of the Regional Democratic Office at Fort Wellington over their unpaid wages.