Bauxite shipping company closes operations in Guyana; 132 persons out of work

Oldendorff Carriers Guyana Inc. (OCGI) announced Tuesday that it is forced to close down its operations here because its customer – RUSAL – did not extend it operational contract with the company.

The closure of company will result in 132 Guyanese being out of a job in the Berbice region. The company has been performing a barging and transshipment operation for bauxite exports on the Berbice River for the past 15 years.

In early February this year, the local subsidiary of Russian bauxite giant RUSAL pulled its expatriate staff out of Guyana, fired 326 Guyanese workers and suspended its operations along the Berbice River. RUSAL owns 90% of the Bauxite Company of Guyana Incorporated (BCGI).

Oldendorff, in a statement, noted that it delivered the Letters of Notice of closure to the office of the Chief Labour Officer and to the workers’ union.

The company said it will work closely with the Chief Labour Officer to ensure that the “wind-down” is done in accordance with Guyanese law.

The company said it will also work together with the Ministry of Social Protection and the Department of Labour to ensure that all employees receive their due compensation under Guyanese law.

“Wherever possible, OCGI will work with our employees, the government and other stakeholders to redeploy employees affected by the wind-down.

“It is with the deepest regret that OCGI must close its operations in Guyana. Over the past 15 years, OCGI has developed a very dedicated and loyal workforce who have performed very well, often under difficult conditions.

“OCGI is very proud of what it has achieved together with its employees in Guyana. OCGI has developed wonderful working relationships with the people of Guyana, particularly in New Amsterdam and up the Berbice River, and the company is truly sad to leave this beautiful country,” the statement concluded.