An Essequibo businessman is now facing a child labour charge following the tragic death in June of a 13-year-old employee.
The boy died after falling off the back of a truck owned by the businessman whilst at work.
The incident which occurred in Adventure, Essequibo, Region Two, triggered the attention of the Ministry of Labour and prompted a charge to be brought against the man by the ministry under Section 5 (1) of the Employment of Young Persons and Children Act Chapter 99:01.
Rovin Williams, had been employed by the businessman, Leslie Anthony, despite child labour laws that strictly prohibit the employment of minors in hazardous work environments. He was left in the care of his older siblings, who had confirmed that the teenager would normally do ‘small-hustles’ such as loading trucks and yard work.
According to reports received by Stabroek News, the boy would normally help in the loading and unloading of goods onto the businessman’s light truck which was used for transporting goods in the region.
On the fateful day, a neighbour contacted the family and told them that Williams was in hospital. Upon arriving at the hospital, they were told by a doctor that his condition was critical, and he needed to be urgently transferred to Georgetown. Unfortunately, even before the transfer could occur, he passed away in the ICU.
The child had sustained a number of severe injuries, including a fractured skull, a dislocated jaw, a broken right hand, and a severely crushed chest.
An investigation into the incident was launched, which led to the businessman being charged with a labour offence. He will make his first appearance in court on November 3.
A separate investigation is being done by the police in relation to whether the businessman is culpable for the death of the child.
