Payroll worth $300,000 was robbed at gunpoint during hotel construction

(CNS): Dozens of workers at the Grand Hyatt construction site in George Town protested Tuesday because the contractor failed to pay them after robbers allegedly stole $300,000 in an armed payroll robbery on Monday. But construction workers, many of whom have permits, were complaining about problems getting paid even before this month’s pay slips were allegedly stolen.

CNS learned from another member of the construction industry familiar with the situation that angry workers also complained about other labor violations, including unpaid pensions and health insurance, and even the occasional failure to provide potable water to the site.

A statement from RCIPS, which CNS has been able to confirm is linked to the payroll robbery, states that the money was taken from the parking lot of 454 Commerce Center on Eastern Boulevard shortly after 3:50 pm on Monday.

A man was detained by three masked men, one of whom was armed. Police said they took a mobile phone and a large sum of money. From what CNS understands, the amount was $300,000 for payroll at the construction site.

The robbers then fled the scene along Eastern Boulevard in a Honda CR-V. No shots were fired and no one was injured during the incident. The police immediately searched and seized his mobile phone. During the subsequent search, the location of the suspect vehicle was determined. Both the mobile phone and the vehicle are in police custody. However, the suspects are still on the run.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information about the robbery is asked to call 911 or the George Town CID at 949-4222. Anonymous tips can be directed to the RCIPS Confidential Tip Line at 949-7777 or website. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through the Cayman Crime Stoppers website.

CNS also contacted the Department of Labor for comment on worker protests and alleged labor law violations that brought the hotel project to a halt for the day. We are waiting for a response.