No more child labour on Pomeroon coconut plantations – Min. Hamilton

The Ministry of Labour said it has made significant progress on the issue of child labour in the country.

What once obtained, especially on the Pomeroon coconut plantations in Region Two, can no longer be found happening now, Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton said on Tuesday at a press conference.

Speaking at his ministry on Brickdam, he said the ministry continues to raise awareness on the issue and its detrimental effects on children’s development.

“In the early stages when I became minister we went and reviewed some instances and indeed at that time, primarily in the Pomeroon River, on these coconut plantations, we witnessed child labour,” he shared.

“I can tell you now, in our visits now; that is not happening there anymore, so we have made a lot of progress in this regard,” he continued.

The term “child labour,” according to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), is often defined as work that deprives children of their childhood, their potential and their dignity, and that is harmful to physical and mental development.

In 2024, the ministry met with Toshaos (Indigenous leaders) and other leaders of St. Monica, Wakapoa Village, Mashabo, and Karawab in Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam), and Moco Moco Village and Aishalton in Region Nine (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo).

Awareness walks were held in Regions Four (Georgetown) and One (Port Kaituma) with over 1,000 persons, including students participating.

The walks featured participation from community leaders, schools, residents and others with banners, tokens and information flyers distributed.

Labour officers also conducted 41 school visits at both primary and secondary levels, with interactive presentations tailored to different age groups.

Topics included the rights of children, the value of education, and how to recognise and report child labour cases.

Of note is the fact that not all work done by children should be classified as child labour that is to be targeted for elimination.

“The participation of children or adolescents above the minimum age for admission to employment in work that does not affect their health and personal development or interfere with their schooling, is generally regarded as being something positive,” the ILO said.

This includes activities like assisting in a family business or earning pocket money outside school hours and during school holidays.

“These kinds of activities contribute to children’s development and to the welfare of their families; they provide them with skills and experience and help to prepare them to be productive members of society during their adult life,” the ILO explained.