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Police are on the hunt for a 28-year-old man who allegedly stabbed and killed a Bagotstown, East Bank Demerara (EBD) labourer during a fight on Sunday. Dead is 38-year-old Ricardo Bailey.

Police Headquarters said Bailey sustained five stab wounds to his abdomen, forehead and shoulder during the incident which unfolded around 21:00 hrs at Andy’s Bar, Norton Street, Bagotstown, EBD.

The suspect made good his escape and is yet to be apprehended.

According to a statement from Police Headquarters, inquiries revealed that Bailey and the suspect were among some other persons who were imbibing at the back of the shop.

An argument erupted and it escalated into a fight

“While the deceased and suspected wrestled, it is alleged that the suspect drew a knife from the waist of his pants and stabbed the deceased multiple times, then made good his escape west along Norton Street,” Police Headquarters said.

Bailey was taken to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre by public-spirited citizens and was pronounced dead.

His body is presently at the Memorial Gardens mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination.

See below the full statement issued by the Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Sonia Parag:

The Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development (MLGRD) notes an erroneous article published in today’s Stabroek News (April 29, 2024) captioned “Vendors stalls removed from outside Demico House, Discount Store in joint M&CC, Local Gov’t Ministry operation.”

The Ministry wishes to categorically state that it played no part in the exercise to remove those vendors. This was as a result of legal proceedings and had no input from the Ministry, as was claimed in the article by the Mayor of Georgetown, Alfred Mentore.

At no time was there any communication between the Mayor and City Council and the MLGRD on this matter. The mayor’s comments were clearly devoid of facts and aimed at misleading the nation and creating mischief.

It is quite regrettable that Stabroek News failed to reach out to the MLGRD before going to press with this article.

Nonetheless, the Ministry continues to hold the media in esteemed regard and appeals to journalists to practice fair and proper journalism by verifying content prior to dissemination.

The Ministry calls for a full retraction and correction of the article.

The media is reminded that both Ministers Sonia Parag and Anand Persaud are accessible, should reporters need confirmation or clarity on any matter that falls under their purview.

Added to that, the Ministry also has an active communications unit that can be reached at any time.

Minister of Labour Joseph Hamilton participates in the Occupational Safety and Health Day walk

In 2020, there were 32 workplace deaths; in 2021, the number decreased to 27 deaths and then in 2022, there were 21 deaths.

20 were recorded in 2023.

Minister of Labour Joseph Hamilton, in his message on Occupational Safety and Health Day, stated that the majority of fatalities occur in the mining and construction sectors.

“This situation causes me great concern, and should be the same for our tripartite partners and key stakeholders. Indeed it is quite obvious that we need to act now. Decisive actions need to be taken to prevent workplace accidents and safeguarding well-being of the workers in this beloved country of ours,” Minister Hamilton stated.

Minister Hamiton poses with participants of the walk

This, he said, will require concerted efforts from the government, trade unions and employers’ organisations who need to collaborate closely to develop, implement and maintain comprehensive strategies for safety and health protocols, adequate training the enforcement of safety and health regulations, proper equipment maintenance and fostering culture of safety among all stakeholders.

“Let us rise to the challenges and reduce our efforts to create safer and healthier workplaces for all together we can make a difference and build a future where every worker can go to work and return home safely at the end of the work day or work period,” Minister Hamilton stated.

The Theme for this year’s observance is “Ensuring safe and healthy work now in a changing climate: We are running out of time.”

Minister Hamilton said this year’s theme places emphasis, on the urgency of the situation, and the urgent need to prioritise safety and health in workplaces.

Participants in the Occupational Safety and Health Day walk

“Climate Climate is already having serious impacts on the world of work, and workers particularly at risk are those who work outdoors in physically demanding sectors such as agriculture construction and mining,” he stated.

However, indoor workers in hot and poorly ventilated environments, and other workers are also at risk.

The minister said action needs to be taken now as the consequences of workplace fatalities are profound, resulting not only in the loss of precious lives, but leaving behind devastated families and communities while also disrupting productivity and progress.

Meanwhile, hundreds of persons turned out on Sunday Morning to join the Annual Occupation Safety and Health Day Walk.

Minister Hamilton, while addressing the participants,  noted that the large turnout indicates that the drive for Occupational Safety and Health is gaining momentum.

World Day of Occupation Safety and Health was designated by the International Labour Organisation, to place emphasis on the prevention of accidents and diseases at work.

It also seeks to raise awareness and promote action towards preventing workplace accidents and promoting well-being.

Occupational Safety and Health Month was launched on April 3, 2024. (DPI)