Dear Editor,

My attention was captured by the Stabroek News (18.03.08) front page headline: “Region lagging on child care – UNICEF Regional Director” and the accompanying page 8 story. Of particular interest was the call for “stocktaking” by Mr. Nils Kastberg who was quoted in the article as saying that the Caribbean Region should “Develop a reputation not just as a region fit for tourism, but also one fit for how it treats its children”.

Mr. Editor, the failure of President Jagdeo to assent to ‘The Employment of Young Persons and Children (Amendment) Bill’ which was passed by the eighth Parliament on April 27, 2006 is an indication of the level of importance which the government of Guyana places on the welfare and safety of our young people. I refer to page 14 item 2.6 of an International Labour Organisation report of June 2005 entitled “A Review of Child Labour Laws of Guyana – a Guide to Legislative Reform” by Clive Pegus……