Media Release: Labour Inspectors increase monitoring of Child Labour in T&T
Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago - Monday 17 October, 2022
Recently, the Ministry of Labour (MOL) shared a Perception Survey on its Social Media pages and with its stakeholders. This Perception Survey was geared towards raising awareness and gathering information from the public on incidents, perceptions and beliefs on the issue of child labour in Trinidad and Tobago.
This resulted in multiple reports from members of the public on incidents of children below age sixteen (16) working. These reports highlight several incidents across Trinidad and one in Tobago.
As a consequence, the Ministry’s Labour Inspectorate Unit is ‘beefing up’ its monitoring and investigative activities with regard to child labour and is working closely with the Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago and other Agencies to provide the relevant support that is needed.
The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child outlines that Children have Rights to:
- Access education
- Rest and play and
- Be protected from exploitation
In this regard, Parents and Employers are reminded that it is against the law to have a child below the legal age of sixteen (16) working. While the Ministry understands that many families are faced with extenuating circumstances, the Ministry of Labour is reminding citizens of the support services available for vulnerable families as follows:
-Report Child Labour to:
The Labour Inspectorate Unit, Ministry of Labour:
299-0300 option 3, 285-5133 option 4, Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Or send a message via Social Media; Facebook, Twitter, Instagram
-Report child abuse to the Children’s Authority of Trinidad and Tobago: 996
-Access Welfare Grants and Psychosocial Support Services: Ministry of Social Development and Family Services: 800-1673.
-Access Psychological Counseling for children: ChildLine: 131 or 800-4321.
-Report Child Trafficking to: The Counter Trafficking Unit: 800-4288.
Children are the future of the nation and it is the responsibility of the nation to look after its children. The Ministry urges the population to assist in its thrust to spot and stop Child Labour in T&T.
For further information, please contact:
Communications Unit
Ministry of Labour
International Waterfront Centre
Tower C, Level 6, 1A Wrightson Road
Port of Spain
Tel: 625-8478 exts. 1203/1509/1208/1211/1522
Fax: 623-1404
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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