Grenada

Government Policies and Programs to Eliminate the Worst Forms of Child Labor

The Government of Grenada has indicated a desire to determine the extent of poverty in Grenada and possible solutions to this problem.[1070]  In 1990, under the auspices of the WFP, the government began a school meals program throughout the nation's pre-primary and primary schools, a textbook program, and a program to upgrade some of the country's pre-schools. Under the school meal program, children pay a minimal fee to their school for a daily meal.  The textbook program helps children from low-income families obtain the necessary tools to enhance their educational opportunities.[1071]

Incidence and Nature of Child Labor

Statistics on the number of working children under the age of 15 in Grenada are unavailable.   Child labor is reportedly not a significant problem in Grenada, although some children help with the periodic harvesting of family spice or banana fields.[1072]

Education is free and compulsory in Grenada between the ages of 6 and 14 years.[1073]  In 1998, the gross primary enrollment rate was 125.5 percent, while the net primary enrollment rate was 97.5 percent.[1074]  Despite the high enrollment rate, poverty, poor school facilities, and the periodic need to help with family farm harvests have resulted in approximately a 7 percent absenteeism rate among primary school children.[1075]

Child Labor Laws and Enforcement

Under the Employment of Women, Young Persons and Children Act, the minimum age for employment in Grenada is 16 years.[1076] The Constitution prohibits forced labor and slavery.[1077] There are no laws that specifically address trafficking in persons and there were no reports that children were trafficked to, from, within or through the country.[1078]  The Ministry of Labor enforces child labor laws in the formal sector through periodic checks.[1079]  Grenada has not ratified ILO Convention 138 or ILO Convention 182.[1080]