A Cuban national tragically lost his life on Tuesday after suffering electrocution at a construction site in New Houston, East Bank Demerara, Guyana. The incident occurred when the scaffold he was working on shifted and made contact with a high-voltage overhead power line.
According to the local news source INews Guyana, the accident took place early in the morning at a new building near Caneview Avenue. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene, while two other individuals on the scaffold were injured and taken to Georgetown Public Hospital for medical treatment.
Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL), the state-owned power company, confirmed in an official statement that the scaffold "rolled away from the building and came into contact with one of our 13.8 kV primary distribution lines."
The company expressed its condolences to the family of the deceased and extended sympathies to the injured, wishing them a "speedy and full recovery."
In the same statement, GPL urged contractors, workers, and the general public to exercise extreme caution when operating near its electrical infrastructure, emphasizing that "appropriate safety measures must always be maintained to prevent similar tragedies." The identity of the deceased Cuban was not disclosed.
This incident comes just four days after the death of another Cuban in the same area. On August 27, Alex Jesús González Beria, 23, was crushed by two containers at the Muneshwers maritime terminal in Houston, East Bank Demerara.
The tragedy this Tuesday is part of a series of fatalities and serious accidents that have impacted the Cuban community in Guyana throughout 2026. In July, Yuviosmar Galindo Cardona, 25, died on a construction site in Providence after being struck by a high-pressure hose.
In June, two Cubans lost their lives in another workplace accident, and a third compatriot was found dead alongside a road in Coldigen. In May, Dainier Vegas Infante, 23, was shot and killed at his workplace in Georgetown.
Guyana has become an increasingly popular work destination for Cubans, drawn by an economic boom fueled by oil exploration and high demand for labor in the construction sector. However, safety conditions at work sites remain poor amid rapid expansion and insufficient oversight.
The Guyanese Ministry of Labor reported 13 fatalities and 64 non-fatal incidents at workplaces between January and April of 2026, highlighting the severe occupational safety issues facing the country.
Guyanese President Irfaan Ali, in mid-August, urged Cubans seeking employment in the country to enter through legal channels and under the same conditions as local workers. However, this appeal has not stemmed the flow of migrants or the accidents disproportionately affecting them.
Frequently Asked Questions about Workplace Safety in Guyana
What caused the Cuban worker's death in Guyana?
The Cuban worker died from electrocution after the scaffold he was on shifted and touched a high-voltage power line.
How does Guyana Power and Light Inc. respond to such incidents?
Guyana Power and Light Inc. offers condolences to the families of victims and urges contractors and workers to exercise caution around electrical infrastructure.
What is the current state of workplace safety in Guyana?
Workplace safety in Guyana is poor, with rapid expansion and inadequate oversight contributing to numerous accidents and fatalities.
What measures has the Guyanese government taken regarding foreign workers?
The Guyanese government has encouraged foreign workers, including Cubans, to enter through legal channels and work under conditions similar to local employees.