A TEAM from the Ministry of Labour, on Tuesday, visited Orealla, East Berbice-Corentyne, as part of its ongoing efforts to bring essential services directly to communities.

Chief Labour Officer (CLO), Dhaneshwar Deonarine, who led the visit, underscored the ministry’s commitment to enhancing accessibility and the quality of its services.

The CLO highlighted innovative initiatives including the Labour Advice App, Job Bank, and the recently launched Skills Connect App. These digital platforms were designed to be user-friendly and allow its users to seek advice or file complaints without the need to visit the ministry or its various departments.

Alongside this, Deonarine stressed the importance of collaboration between the ministry, the village council, and the community to combat the issue of child labour.

He clarified the definition of child labour and its harmful effects, offering real-life examples of work that can support a child’s development while maintaining responsibility.

According to the Ministry of Labour, 75 participants took part in discussions on key topics, including the national minimum wage order, overtime, leave with pay, and occupational safety and health in the workplace. Workers were informed of their rights, while employers were educated on labour laws to ensure there is compliance.

Participants were given the opportunity to learn about additional services provided by the Ministry of Labour, including resources for co-operative societies, job seekers, and those interested in vocational training programmes.

The ministry’s team also included Senior Labour Officer, Prandatt Basdeo; Labour Officers Emanuel Ramdhial and Prowell Allick; Occupational Safety and Health Officer, Nazmoon Prittipaul; and Regional Co-operative Development Officer, Keshri Jailall.

It was stated that the visit to Orealla underscored the Ministry of Labour’s ongoing efforts to connect with communities and raise awareness on critical issues, ensuring that residents are empowered with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate their rights and responsibilities in the workplace.

Following a meeting between the ministry’s team and Toshao Lawrence Vandenburgh and local councillors, a child labour awareness session was held at the Orealla Secondary School, where more than 100 students were educated about the dangers of child labour, its definition, and its far-reaching impacts.

A sensitisation session was also held at the Bag of Hope Multipurpose Centre, where ministry officials engaged representatives from the village council, employers, employees, members of the Orealla Loggers Association, individuals from the agricultural sector, residents and members of the co-operative societies in Orealla and Siparuta.