GTUC mourns loss of soldiers, calls for answers and accountability

The Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) joins with all Guyana in mourning the loss of five soldiers who died in a helicopter accident last week. The Union in a release says the organisation notes, even as the nation waits and anticipates honest answers, regarding the circumstances of the crash, 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.”

According to the federated body, five lives were lost and lest we forget a vital and costly asset of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) will be written off. There must be accountability to the families of the deceased and the taxpayers of Guyana and “a full and thorough investigation into what may have caused the helicopter to crash.”

GTUC underscores its position that 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.”

Zeroing on naming a road “Heroes Highway” in honour of the dead soldiers GTUC states whilst this tribute is one that will be indelibly marked in our history through the intended Heroes Avenue, answers are needed whether the names of other military members who died or lose their lives out of and during the course of duty will be added to the list of heroes with whom the heroes’ avenue can be associated with. The Union states answers are needed 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.

Turning attention to the physical and mental care of the soldiers and working conditions, the Union has appealed for the capitalisation of the army, improved remuneration and other working conditions, including a substantial non-contributory insurance policy that could provide for their spouse and dependents should they die out of or during duty.

Seeking answers on what could have led to the incident the Union has raised 15 questions, among which are where was the co-pilot seated; whether to helicopter have any Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) systems or Flight Data Recorders (FDRs) to help the investigation; the availability of the service record of the ill-fated helicopter;  how many training flight hours did the pilot and copilot have on the use of the specific helicopter.

According to the Union, the nation awaits these answers and clarifications to bring rest to this matter so that the family and colleagues of the deceased and our country can rest assured that everything is and will be done to protect our members of the disciplined services and their families at this time.

GTUC’s full statement follows:

The Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) joins with all Guyana in mourning the loss of five soldiers who died in a helicopter accident last week. GTUC notes, even as the nation waits and anticipates honest answers, regarding the circumstances of the crash, 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.

Accountability

Five lives were lost and lest we forget a vital and costly asset of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) will be written off. There must be accountability to the families of the deceased and the taxpayers of Guyana. GTUC calls for a full and thorough investigation into what may have caused the helicopter to crash.  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.

Deeming workers heroes   

The Government or Guyana has since moved to deem these workers heroes. Whilst this tribute is one that will be indelibly marked in our history through the intended Heroes Avenue, GTUC seeks answers whether the names of other military members who died or lose their lives out of and during the course of duty will be added to the list of heroes with whom the heroes’ avenue can be associated with.

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.

Mental and physical care and conditions of work

GTUC calls for our 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 calls for the capitalisation of the army and improved remuneration and other working conditions for our 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.

Seeking answers 

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:

1. Which two members of that ill-fated flight were seated in the cockpit?
2. 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?

1.  What injuries did the survivors sustain? Where are the supporting pictures of these?
2.  Where are the pictures taken of the crashed helicopter and why have these not yet been released to the public?
3.  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 route?

1.  What is the available service record of the ill-fated Bell 412?
2. How many training flight hours did the pilot and copilot have on the use of the Bell 412?
3. Why did the GDF use a former pilot of the Force instead of a current service member to pilot the others?

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?

1. 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 nation awaits these answers and clarifications to bring rest to this matter so that the family and colleagues of the deceased and our country can rest assured that everything is and will be done to protect our members of the disciplined services and their families at this time.