A Cuban worker injured in a building collapse at a construction site in Atlantic Gardens, on the east coast of Demerara, Guyana, has been reported to be in stable condition, albeit with lingering psychological effects, according to Facebook reports by journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada.
The collapse occurred on Wednesday, April 15, around 7:10 pm, as workers were pouring and smoothing fresh cement on the roof of a two-story structure owned by businessman Omprakash Shivraj, also known as "Buddy" Shivraj.
There were nine people at the site: seven Guyanese, one Cuban, and one Venezuelan.
The incident had tragic consequences: Radesh Domingo, a 46-year-old Guyanese carpenter, died instantly after being trapped under the collapsed structure, and was pronounced dead upon arrival at Georgetown Public Hospital. The others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
Survivor's Account and Aftermath
The Cuban worker, who had stayed on for an extra shift to earn more money, was taken to the hospital following the accident.
"I was left in the air when everything collapsed and just waited for it to fall on me. I'm alive by a miracle," he told an acquaintance who managed to speak with him after the incident.
Despite visits from fellow Cubans, he has yet to receive any payment for his work or clear assurances following the accident.
At his request, his identity and home province remain confidential: he asked that his family in Cuba remain unaware of what happened, Mayeta clarified in a subsequent post.
Safety Concerns and Economic Power
Sources close to the situation allege that powerful Guyanese figures, who can mobilize resources and even authorities, are behind the construction, but they do not always ensure safe working conditions for those building these structures.
"There's money and power there, but it's the worker who bears the brunt," summarized one source.
The Guyana Police Division 4C and the Fire Service responded to the incident and are investigating the causes by reviewing CCTV footage. The Ministry of Labor in Guyana has also launched an investigation into the site's safety protocols.
Recurring Issues in Construction Safety
This incident is not isolated. Other workers report similar situations occurring at various sites, where Cubans, Venezuelans, and Guyanese face the same fate: long hours, high risks, and minimal guarantees.
The most direct precedent is the death of Dayrovis Martínez Mendoza, a 24-year-old Cuban, who died last September when a 15-foot concrete wall collapsed on him in Bachelor's Adventure, also on the east coast of Demerara. His family endured weeks of bureaucracy to repatriate his body and received compensation deemed "insufficient".
The pattern repeats: Cuban migrants, lured to Guyana by the construction boom, work under precarious conditions and find themselves unprotected when accidents occur.
"Migrants are the ones who erect the buildings, work extra shifts, and accept conditions others would refuse. They are the last to be paid and the first to be forgotten when things go wrong," Mayeta Labrada concluded.
Understanding Construction Safety in Guyana
What caused the building collapse in Guyana?
The exact cause is still under investigation by the Guyana Police Division 4C and the Fire Service, who are reviewing CCTV footage to determine the reasons behind the collapse.
Are safety conditions in Guyanese construction sites adequate?
There have been repeated concerns about safety conditions at construction sites in Guyana, with reports indicating that migrant workers often face high risks without adequate protection or guarantees.
How are migrant workers affected by accidents in Guyana?
Migrant workers, including Cubans and Venezuelans, often work under precarious conditions, and when accidents occur, they may not receive adequate support or compensation for their injuries or losses.