Guyana Ramps Up Fight Against Child Labor with School Outreach and National Inspections
Tiana Cole | HGP Nightly News –
Minister of Labour Joseph Hamilton states that the Ministry has intensified its efforts to combat child labor across Guyana, launching a series of initiatives aimed at raising awareness, strengthening community collaboration, and enhancing inter-agency coordination.
Speaking during a recent engagement, Minister Hamilton reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive in a safe and nurturing environment.
“Guyana remains steadfast in its efforts to ensure that every child is allowed to thrive, grow, and reach their full potential,” Hamilton stated.
He disclosed that the Ministry of Labour has been working closely with the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, particularly through joint workshops with probation officers and other child protection professionals. These initiatives aim to improve detection, investigation, and reporting of child labor cases while also refining response strategies across agencies.
This year, the Ministry plans to launch a national school outreach campaign, targeting over 20 secondary schools across all administrative regions. These sessions will engage students directly on the dangers and realities of child labor.
This year’s theme for the World Day Against Child Labour is “Progress is Clear, But There is More to Do – Let’s Speed Up Efforts.”
Minister Hamilton highlighted a notable achievement in Guyana’s child labor efforts: zero reported cases of child labor in 2024—a result he attributes to proactive strategies, including increased inspections and expanded public education campaigns.
“More than 3,000 inspections were carried out across industrial establishments last year—exceeding our target by 15%,” the Minister revealed.
With a renewed focus on public engagement and institutional collaboration, the Ministry aims to build on this progress and ensure that Guyana remains a regional leader in the protection of children’s rights.
