Businessman Denies Allegations of Unpaid Brazilian Workers

January 10 2026

Businessman Peter Lewis has strongly denied allegations that he and his company hired foreign nationals from Brazil and failed to pay them, describing the claims as inaccurate and misleading.

Speaking on Saturday, Lewis explained that his company engaged the Brazilian workers through a medical doctor who represented herself as being authorised to facilitate the entry of foreign nationals into Guyana for employment. According to Lewis, the company paid the woman substantial sums in advance; however, the work arrangement later began to unravel.

Lewis said that after the workers arrived in the country, the financial terms that were initially agreed upon with the doctor changed significantly. He noted that while the original agreement was for a payment of $55 million, the workers, through their representative, later demanded $125 million—an increase his company was unwilling to accept.

As a result, no agreement was reached and no work was carried out. Lewis stated that the workers remained at a hotel provided by his company for three days and that hotel staff could confirm they spent most of that time on the premises.

The businessman further disclosed that his company spent approximately GYD $2.3 million covering the workers’ travel, meals and accommodation, despite the fact that the job they were brought to perform was never undertaken.

Lewis also said he had pressed for formal contracts to be drafted for the workers. However, through an interpreter, the workers reportedly continued to request additional payment, further complicating negotiations.

He added that he is in possession of receipts for all transactions, showing the financing he provided to the woman who facilitated the workers’ arrangements.

Lewis maintains that his company acted in good faith throughout the process and rejects any suggestion that the workers were exploited or left unpaid.