Encouraging child labour?

Mar 31, 2010 Letters

Dear Editor,
Kindly permit me to say my piece on the recent statement made by Minister Nadir about his concept on ‘Child Labour (13-15 years).’
First, I read that Mr. Nadir intends to change legislation in facilitating work for children under 15 years. The Alliance for Change responded in brief’ which may induce others to follow.
Let me emphatically say that the Ministry of Labour has lost that essence of industrial commitment and the ability to pronounce and adjudicate convincingly on industrial matters in this country.
Since the former Chief Labour Officer, Mr. Akeel demitted office, the Labour Ministry has never been able to find his replacement.
Mr. Nadir’s proposal to have a legislative change is informing the general public that he is having some mandatory powers over Cabinet in Guyana. If Minister Nadir is saying so on his own behalf then, probably it may happen whenever he becomes President of Guyana.
Until such time, Mr. Nadir is operating within the ambits of the Government in power. He should be properly advised before saying things which are now causing unrest among the nation.
However, Mr. Nadir should take cognizance that children who are unsuccessful at the Common Entrance Examination (Grade Six Examination) still have a chance in the Community High School while they are still under 15 years.
I would agree that not all children are academically skilled but some might be likely to venture into professional trade. Others might gain entry into the
Technical School. This is where parents must help shape their children’s future.
Whether part time or light labour, it becomes incumbent for all parents to ensure that their children under 15 years be properly schooled, in some way. Sending your young offspring to engage in whatever manner of work Mr. Nadir is portraying, is like throwing your children to the wolves.One does not have to look very far; just open your daily newspaper! You would read about child molestation, etc. This situation has now become cancerous in our society.
Today, some employers are actually seeking blood out of their adult employees for more work, longer hours and for less lucrative benefits.
For Central Government to accede to such legislation as proposed by Mr. Nadir, is downright disgraceful. Mr Nadir’s vision for young children lacks respect for them.
T. Deo

Latest News

Encouraging child labour?

Related

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show|| March, 31st, 2025

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Szeplaki wins LGC/ STP Investments Inc. Golf tournament

GBA Youth, Junior & Under-16 Boxing...

GBA recognises donation of Badminton gear to QC...

Exciting restart of the East Bank Football...

“Easily one of the worst decisions ever...

Harpy Eagles faces toughest challenge yet, as...

Features/Columnists

When silence speaks louder than words

The U.S. “Joining” the Commonwealth: an unreasonable expectation

What did Pres. Ali just do ?

Publisher’s Note

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]

Encouraging child labour?

Share this:

Related

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show|| March, 31st, 2025

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Features/Columnists

Publisher’s Note

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]