The relatives of Ricky Persaud, the Lima Village cook who died almost two weeks ago after he was struck in the head by an excavator boom at Big Hope Backdam, Waini River, are asking for a thorough investigation into his death as they suspect there may have been foul play.
Romesh Persaud, a brother of the deceased, told Sunday Stabroek during an interview that the family had yet to receive any information from the Ministry of Labour on its findings from an investigation done.
He added that police officials were also slow in updating the family on the matter and no contact was made since the post-mortem examination.
The grieving brother explained that while a post-mortem examination found that Ricky died as a result of multiple injuries, family members are questioning the manner in which he received them.
Around 8.30 pm on September 1, the family received information about Ricky’s demise from one of their members. The family said his boss eventually confirmed that Ricky was involved in an accident but stated that he was being taken to the hospital.
The family said based on what they were told they were of the opinion that Ricky was injured but later confirmed that he had dead.
The family member believes that workers attached to the camp may be withholding information, and questioned how the excavator operator did not see Ricky when he had been previously seated next to him.
The family added that the operator knew when Ricky came off of the excavator because he stopped the machine. They are further questioning the amount of injuries he suffered. Ricky suffered injuries to his hips, ribs, neck, and head as well as other parts of his body.
At the time of the incident four persons were in the area cleaning a camp to build a kitchen. However, Romesh related that two of the workers, around 5pm, left on a motorcycle to return to their original camp, while Ricky travelled with the excavator operator.
Police said on their way out they observed a fallen tree blocking the trail, and they were moving the tree when the accident occurred.
According to the excavator driver’s report, Ricky exited while the boom of the excavator was being operated with the intention of removing the fallen tree. As the driver manoeuvred the machine’s boom, it came into contact with his head.
As a result of the impact, the man was rendered motionless and deep lacerations were observed to the right side of his head. The police reported that due to the remoteness of the area where the accident occurred, he was not transported to the Leonora Cottage Hospital until Thursday, September 2.
Romesh questioned how the motorcycle with the other two staff were able to cross the trail with the tree blocking the passage. The brother said the family has also related to the police that on the morning of the accident Ricky called and informed them of his plans to send home some cash.
Ricky was described as a kindhearted and loving individual.
