The Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) says that even as it mourns with all Guyana the loss of the five soldiers who perished in a helicopter crash last week, it is calling for a full and thorough investigation into what may have caused it.
The GTUC notes accidents do not happen; they are caused, as such, in the interest of accountability, future safety and prevention of similar occurrences, it is important for the facts of this tragic accident be made known to the people of Guyana.
In addition to the five lives tragically lost, the trades union body said that a vital and costly asset (the Bell 412EPI Helicopter) of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) “will be written off and there must be accountability to the families of the deceased and the taxpayers of Guyana.”
It added: “The GDF and all parties must not sleep on this matter but deliver answers to all questions and quell speculations that cause discontent and worry among the loved ones and the people of Guyana. We must be assured that whatever contributed to the accident must be addressed forthwith.”
Additionally, the GTUC called for the two soldiers who survived to be given all the support, required medical care, including therapy to cope with trauma resulting from the accident. GTUC further called for the capitalisation of the army and improved remuneration and other working conditions for the Disciplined Services, including a substantial non-contributory insurance policy that could provide for their spouse and dependents should they die out of or during the course of duty.
Meanwhile, the GTUC statement sought clarification on the sequence of events prior to and after the tragic accident. According to the GTUC, “As the families and nation mourn we must with equal consciousness demand answers and these questions are hereby posed for consideration.” At the time of the crash: (i.) Other than the pilot in command who was the other member of that ill-fated flight that sat in the cockpit? (ii.) Where was the co-pilot seated and if not in the designated seat, why not? (iii.) How and when did the survivors exit the plane? (iv.) What injuries did the survivors sustain? Where are the supporting pictures of these? (v.) Where are the pictures of the crashed helicopter and why have these not yet been released to the public?
(vi.) Did the GDF Bell 412EPI Helicopter have any Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) systems or Flight Data Recorders (FDRs) to help the investigation? If not, why? (vii.) What advice was given re flight safety dangers and risks (weather, visibility, fuel, engine etc.) prior to take off? (viii.) What reasons are given for the Flight veering off course? (ix.) What is the available service record of the ill-fated Bell 412? (x.) How many training flight hours did the pilot and copilot have on the use of the Bell 412?
(xi.) Why did the GDF use a former pilot of the Force instead of a current service member to pilot the craft? (xii.) Has any effort been made to rule out foul play or any potential toxic or mechanical influence that could have resulted in this crash? If not, why? (xiii.) Will forensic testing be done on the pilot and other bodies? If not, why? (xiv.) Outside of the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) Industrial benefit how will the family of the serving officers be compensated? (xv.) It is being said the pilot is known for his heroics when flying. Was this ever a concern, and if so, is there a consideration that such heroics could have resulted in the ill-fated flight? What is the co -pilot’s viewpoint on this?
The GTUC noted that the Government of Guyana has since moved to deem these workers ‘heroes’ and while this tribute is one that will be indelibly marked in our history through the intended Heroes’ Highway, the GTUC seeks answers as to “whether the names of other military members who died or lost their lives out of and during the course of duty” will be added to the list of heroes with whom the Heroes’ Highway can be associated with.
“The GTUC urges such consideration or some appropriate heroes’ monument recognising all of our disciplined service members who died out of and during the course of duty for they are no less worthy of such acclaim. This is important to allay concerns of workers and those who perceive this new hero classification status has been so ascribed because among the victims are the spouse of a former minister and current advisor of the PPP regime, and friends of President Irfaan Ali.”
