Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton on Thursday said efforts to eradicate child labour and sensitise persons include targeting students at secondary schools. Hamilton was at the time delivering remarks following a walk to observe World Day Against Child Labour, this year held under the theme, “Progress is clear, but there’s more to do: Let’s speed up efforts.”
The walk commenced at the Parliament Building, along Brickdam, and concluded at the Ministry of Labour’s Brickdam, Georgetown office, where a brief ceremony followed.
Hamilton, during his remarks, reiterated the government’s commitment to eradicating child labour. He also said the ministry’s efforts are supported by several partners, including the Ministries of Education and Human Services and Social Security.
He said several initiatives to raise awareness and foster community collaborations are underway. Importantly, emphasis is being placed on activities that can provide children with knowledge and realisation of their rights, especially when it impacts their education, growth, or overall well-being.
“This year, the Ministry of Labour has planned a series of awareness events to raise awareness about the detrimental emotional and physical effects that children forced into child labour can experience.
“The ministry will visit more than 20 secondary schools across the regions of Guyana to engage the children on the issues of child labour,” Hamilton said.
Students participating in the walk to commemorate World Day Against Child Labour. (Photo: Ministry of Labour/ June 12, 2025)
Hamilton also commended the work and commitment of those involved in preventing child labour. He urged that continued efforts be made to reform the collective vision where every child “enjoys the promise of a safe, happy and enriching childhood.”
Meanwhile, President of the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), Norris Witter, noted that one of the issues preventing the complete eradication of child labour involves adults who do not allow children to be children.
“A child has a right to leisure… You [children] have a right to grow up as a child and not to be burdened with the world of work at a very, very tender age,” Witter said.
Eradication of child labour in Guyana remains a critical issue, and according to global statistics, it affects around 138 million children globally, with 54 million of them involved in dangerous occupations.
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