“Today, on World Day Against Child Labour, we join the international community in reaffirming our shared responsibility to protect every child’s right to a safe, nurturing, and dignified childhood.”
“While The Bahamas does not face the same widespread child labour issues seen in other parts of the world, we are not immune to practices that exploit young people under the guise of opportunity. One such troubling example is the widespread use of young packers in grocery stores who are not formally employed, receive no salary, and yet are expected to perform duties far beyond simply packing bags, including restocking shelves and doing store labour, often without supervision or protection.”
“This is not simply an outdated business practice; it is a quiet form of exploitation. It devalues young people’s labor, teaches them that their time and effort are worth only what tips they receive, and bypasses the legal and ethical responsibilities that all employers should bear.”
“The Free National Movement has always championed the rights and protection of our nation’s youth. We believe in fair compensation, formal employment structures, and access to mentorship and educational pathways, not a culture of informal labor that sidelines child protection in the name of convenience.”
“As we reflect today, let us take steps to ensure that every child in The Bahamas has the chance to learn, grow, and contribute without being taken advantage of in the process.”
“We owe them more than tips. We owe them a future.”
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