SEVERAL residents and farmers from the Lower Mahaicony River in the Mahaica-Berbice Region recently participated in a sensitisation outreach organised by the Ministry of Labour.

The ministry has indicated that this initiative was aimed at educating both employees and employers on Guyana’s labour laws, their rights, and their responsibilities as workers and employers.

The Ministry of Labour also mentioned that the key topics discussed included the harmful effects of child labour, the importance of adhering to occupational safety and health (OSH) guidelines, and the benefits of cooperative and friendly societies.

These topics have been heavily pushed throughout the year by the respective departments under the Ministry of Labour.

The ministry related that the residents of Savannah, Macoba, Gordon Table, Mora Point, Waterdog Creek, Pine Ground, and Yarrow Creek Bara-Bara were among the communities that benefitted from the outreach.

According to the ministry, this effort is part of its ongoing mission to foster safe, fair, and equitable working conditions in the agricultural sector while simultaneously addressing critical issues such as child labour.

The outreach highlighted the ministry’s regional offices and the resources available to support workers and employers alike.

Moreover, it was stated that the ministry’s team in Region Five comprised of Labour Officer Vedmattie Budhram, Regional Co-operatives Development Officer Vikash Boodhoo, Occupational Health and Safety Officer Babita Singh, and a representative from the Guyana National Co-operative Union Ltd., Bashkaran Basdeo.