Child Labor and Forced Labor Reports
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Minimal Advancement
In 2022, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines made minimal advancement in efforts to eliminate the worst forms of child labor. The government passed amendments to the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act to strengthen penalties for offenders. Although research is limited, there is evidence that children in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines engage in child labor in agriculture. Gaps remain in the legal framework, as Saint Vincent and the Grenadines does not fully meet international standards because the use of children for prostitution, pornography, or pornographic performances is not prohibited. In addition, the minimum age for hazardous work falls below international standards and there is no legislation prohibiting the using, procuring, and offering of children in illicit activities, including in the production of drugs. The government also did not publicly release information on its labor law enforcement efforts.
Table 1 provides key indicators on children’s work and education in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Data on some of these indicators are not available from the sources used in this report.
| Children | Age | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Working (% and population) | 5 to 14 | Unavailable |
| Attending School (%) | 5 to 14 | Unavailable |
| Combining Work and School (%) | 7 to 14 | Unavailable |
| Primary Completion Rate (%) | 115.6 |
Source for primary completion rate: Data from 2020, published by UNESCO Institute for Statistics, 2023. (1)
Data were unavailable from International Labor Organization's analysis, 2023. (2)
Based on a review of available information, Table 2 provides an overview of children’s work by sector and activity.
| Sector/Industry | Activity |
|---|---|
| Agriculture | Farming, activities unknown (3) |
All children in the country are able to access education; however, inadequate public transportation for children in rural villages causes them to walk long distances to get to school, which may make attending school difficult. (4-7) Children out of school are vulnerable to engaging in child labor.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has ratified all key international conventions concerning child labor (Table 3).
| Convention | Ratification |
|---|---|
| ILO C. 138, Minimum Age | ✓ |
| ILO C. 182, Worst Forms of Child Labor | ✓ |
| UN CRC | ✓ |
| UN CRC Optional Protocol on Armed Conflict | ✓ |
| UN CRC Optional Protocol on the Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography | ✓ |
| Palermo Protocol on Trafficking in Persons | ✓ |
The government has established laws and regulations related to child labor (Table 4). However, gaps exist in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ legal framework to adequately protect children from the worst forms of child labor, including inadequate hazardous work protections.
| Standard | Meets International Standards | Age | Legislation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Age for Work | Yes | 14 | Article 8 of the Employment of Women, Young Persons, and Children Act (8) |
| Minimum Age for Hazardous Work | No | 14 | Schedule, Part I, Articles 1, 2, and 5 of the Employment of Women, Young Persons, and Children Act (8) |
| Identification of Hazardous Occupations or Activities Prohibited for Children | No | Part I, Sections 3 and 4, and Articles 1, 2, and 5 of the Employment of Women, Young Persons, and Children Act; Section VI(37) of the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Occupational Safety and Health Act of 2017 (8,9) | |
| Prohibition of Forced Labor | Yes | Chapter XII, Part 207 of the Criminal Code (10) | |
| Prohibition of Child Trafficking | Yes | Part II, Articles 5–8 of the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act (11,12) | |
| Prohibition of Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children | No | Part II, Article 7 of the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act; Chapter VIII, Parts 130 and 131 of the Criminal Code; Section 15 of the Cybercrime Act (10-13) | |
| Prohibition of Using Children in Illicit Activities | No | ||
| Minimum Age for Voluntary State Military Recruitment | N/A* | ||
| Prohibition of Compulsory Recruitment of Children by (State) Military | N/A*† | ||
| Prohibition of Military Recruitment by Non-state Armed Groups | No | ||
| Compulsory Education Age | Yes | 16 | Part I, Article 2 of the Education Act (5) |
| Free Public Education | Yes | Part III, Articles 14–16 of the Education Act (5) |
* Country has no conscription (14)
† Country has no standing military (15)
In March of 2023, Parliament unanimously passed amendments to the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act to strengthen penalties for offenders. (12,16,17) The amendments remove the possibility of receiving a monetary fine as a penalty for trafficking offenses, and instead impose criminal penalties. (12,17)
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines does not meet the international standard for hazardous work for children because it allows children ages 14 to 17 to perform industrial activities, including mining and construction, and does not adequately protect children from hazardous work that may jeopardize their health, safety, or morals. (8) The government also has not determined by national law or regulation the types of hazardous work prohibited for all children under age 18. (8,9) In addition, laws have not been established that prohibit the use of children in illicit activities, including drug production. The law does not fully meet international standards for the prohibition of commercial sexual exploitation of children, as it does not prohibit the use of children for prostitution, pornography, or pornographic performances. (11) Moreover, as the minimum age for work is lower than the compulsory education age, children may be encouraged to leave school before the completion of compulsory education. (5)
The government has established institutional mechanisms for the enforcement of laws and regulations on child labor (Table 5). However, gaps exist within the operations of enforcement agencies that may hinder adequate enforcement of their child labor laws.
| Organization/Agency | Role & Activities |
|---|---|
| Ministry of Labor | Enforces child labor laws through its Department of Labor and refers victims to appropriate social services. (4) If the Department finds a criminal violation, it forwards the case to the Royal Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force. (18) Conducts inspections at businesses and workplaces, with the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Unit (ATIPU), to ensure labor laws are followed. (19) |
| Royal Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force | Makes criminal arrests, including those involving the worst forms of child labor. Addresses human trafficking through its ATIPU; refers survivors to appropriate social services and funds financial requests made by ATIPU. (18,20) During the reporting period, held a "Walk Against Human Trafficking" and panel to raise awareness of labor and sex trafficking. (17) |
| Office of the Director of Public Prosecution | Prosecutes criminal violations, including those related to the worst forms of child labor. (18) |
Labor Law Enforcement
Research did not find information on whether labor law enforcement agencies in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines took actions to address child labor (Table 6).
| Overview of Labor Law Enforcement | 2021 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Labor Inspectorate Funding | $591,907 (7) | Unknown |
| Number of Labor Inspectors | 6 (18) | Unknown |
| Mechanism to Assess Civil Penalties | No (21) | No (21) |
| Training for Labor Inspectors Provided | N/A (7) | Unknown |
| Number of Labor Inspections Conducted at Worksite | 35 (7) | Unknown |
| Number of Child Labor Violations Found | 0 (18) | Unknown |
| Number of Child Labor Violations for Which Penalties Were Imposed | N/A | Unknown |
| Number of Child Labor Penalties Imposed that Were Collected | N/A | Unknown |
| Routine Inspections Conducted | Yes (18) | Unknown |
| Routine Inspections Targeted | Unknown | Unknown |
| Unannounced Inspections Permitted | Yes (21) | Yes (21) |
| Unannounced Inspections Conducted | Yes (18) | Unknown |
| Complaint Mechanism Exists | Yes (18) | Unknown |
| Reciprocal Referral Mechanism Exists Between Labor Authorities and Social Services | Yes (18) | Unknown |
Criminal Law Enforcement
In 2022, criminal law enforcement agencies in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines took actions to address child labor (Table 7). However, gaps exist within the operations of the criminal enforcement agencies that may hinder adequate criminal law enforcement, including insufficient allocation of financial and human resources.
| Overview of Criminal Law Enforcement | 2021 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Training for Criminal Investigators Provided | Yes (22,23) | Yes (19) |
| Number of Investigations | 0 (18) | 0 (19) |
| Number of Prosecutions Initiated | 0 (18) | 0 (19) |
| Number of Convictions | 0 (18) | 0 (19) |
| Imposed Penalties for Violations Related to the Worst Forms of Child Labor | No (18) | N/A (19) |
| Reciprocal Referral Mechanism Exists Between Criminal Authorities and Social Services | Yes (18) | Yes (19) |
In 2022, only data on child trafficking was reported by the government, and information about the number of investigations, prosecutions, convictions, and penalties imposed for other worst forms of child labor is not known. Reports indicate that insufficient resources, including limited personnel and vehicles, hampered the capacity of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Unit (ATIPU) to address human trafficking throughout the country. (20) In 2022, ATIPU was staffed by two people, which the government reported was inadequate. (24)
In 2022, ATIPU officers received training on evidence collection and increasing the quality of victim services in courses offered by the Federal Bureau of Investigations, the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, and regional counterparts from the Royal Jamaican Constabulary. (17) Training on child trafficking and victim identification was provided for 108 police recruits. (19) There is a dedicated human trafficking hotline and a monitored e-mail address to report suspected cases to ATIPU. (24) ATIPU increased patrols in at-risk areas and during Carnival. (17) When a victim is identified, they are interviewed by ATIPU then referred to the Crisis Centre or other social services while the investigation is launched. (19)
The government has established a key mechanism to coordinate its efforts to address child labor (Table 8). However, gaps exist that hinder the effective coordination of efforts to address child labor, including the lack of a mechanism to address all forms of child labor.
| Coordinating Body | Role & Activities |
|---|---|
| National Task Force Against Trafficking in Persons | Coordinates government policies and efforts to prevent and eliminate human trafficking, and coordinates training. Comprises senior officials within the government and members of civil society; chaired by the Prime Minister. (19) Develops plans to provide housing, employment, education, counseling, and other services to victims, and coordinates the collection and sharing of human trafficking data among government agencies. (11) The government did not report how often the National Task Force met during the reporting period. (24) |
Although Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has a National Task Force Against Trafficking in Persons to coordinate efforts to address human trafficking, there is no coordinating mechanism to address other forms of child labor. (11)
The government has established policies related to child labor (Table 9). However, policy gaps exist that hinder efforts to address child labor, including coverage of all worst forms of child labor.
| Policy | Description & Activities |
|---|---|
| National Plan of Action Against Trafficking in Persons (2021–2025) | Establishes procedures to eradicate human trafficking, including training for frontline staff and other relevant stakeholders; conducts awareness-raising campaigns, and provides victim protection and assistance. (25) Government continued to fund and support the Plan during the reporting year, but did not report whether the budget was sufficient. (24) |
| Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Countering Human Trafficking in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | Coordinates anti-TIP implementation efforts between signatory agencies and the ATIPU. Includes the Department of Labor, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Social Services Division, Police, and others. (20) Research was unable to determine whether activities were undertaken to implement the MOU during the reporting period. |
Although Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has adopted the National Plan of Action Against Trafficking in Persons, research found no evidence of a policy on other forms of child labor.
In 2022, the government funded and participated in programs that may contribute to preventing child labor (Table 10). However, gaps exist in these social programs, including the lack of programs to address child labor in all sectors.
| Program | Description & Activities |
|---|---|
| Zero Hunger Trust Fund† | Government program that provides textbooks, cash for the purchase of school supplies, and daily meals to students in grades 4 and 5 in 12 primary schools. Seeks to alleviate poverty and improve the standard of living of primary school-age children through its "Adopt a Classroom" program. (26) Active in 2022. (26) |
For information about USDOL’s projects to address child labor around the world, visit https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ilab/ilab-project-page-search
† Program is funded by the Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
During the reporting period, the Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines provided resources toward human trafficking awareness campaigns, including placing banners at the cruise ship port and broadcasting a live radio program. (17,19) Sessions on human trafficking were also organized for 341 individuals at children's summer camps and schools, providing training for at-risk populations. (17) Although the government has implemented a program to address educational and food needs, research found no evidence that it has carried out programs specifically to address child labor, including in agriculture.
Based on the reporting above, suggested actions are identified that would advance the elimination of child labor in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (Table 11).
| Area | Suggested Action | Year(s) Suggested |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Framework | Establish 18 as the minimum age for hazardous work and identify hazardous occupations and activities prohibited for children. | 2009 – 2022 |
| Ensure that laws criminally prohibit the use of children for prostitution, pornography, and pornographic performances. | 2017 – 2022 | |
| Ensure that laws criminally prohibit the use, procuring, and offering of children for illicit activities, including in the production of drugs. | 2011 – 2022 | |
| Ensure that the law criminally prohibits the recruitment of children under age 18 by non-state armed groups. | 2016 – 2022 | |
| Raise the minimum age for work from 14 to 16 to align with the compulsory education age. | 2018 – 2022 | |
| Enforcement | Establish a mechanism to assess civil penalties for child labor violations. | 2016 – 2022 |
| Increase resources, including personnel and vehicles, for the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Unit to expand their capacity to address human trafficking throughout the country. | 2017 – 2022 | |
| Collect and publish labor law enforcement data, including information on the number of inspectors, inspectorate funding, the number of worksite inspections, the number of unannounced inspections conducted, training, and number of child labor law violations. | 2022 | |
| Publish information about the complaint mechanism to receive child labor complaints and the referral mechanism between labor authorities and social services. | 2022 | |
| Publish comprehensive criminal law enforcement data on all worst forms of child labor. | 2022 | |
| Coordination | Establish a coordinating mechanism to prevent and eliminate all worst forms of child labor. | 2019 – 2022 |
| Publish information about the activities and meetings of the National Task Force Against Trafficking in Persons. | 2022 | |
| Government Policies | Adopt a policy that addresses all relevant forms of child labor, such as farming. | 2021 – 2022 |
| Ensure that resources and budget for the National Plan of Action Against Trafficking in Persons are sufficient to support its activities. | 2022 | |
| Ensure that activities are undertaken to implement the Memorandum of Understanding on Countering Human Trafficking in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and publish results from activities implemented on an annual basis. | 2019 – 2022 | |
| Social Programs | Collect and publish data on the extent and nature of child labor to inform policies and programs. | 2017 – 2022 |
| Enhance efforts to eliminate barriers and make education accessible for all children, including children in rural communities, by providing public transportation. | 2018 – 2022 | |
| Institute a program to address child labor in agriculture. | 2021 – 2022 |
- UNESCO Institute for Statistics. Gross intake ratio to the last grade of primary education, both sexes (%). Accessed March 15, 2023. For more information, please see “Children's Work and Education Statistics: Sources and Definitions” in the Reference Materials section of this report.
http://data.uis.unesco.org/ - ILO. Analysis of Child Economic Activity and School Attendance Statistics from National Household or Child Labor Surveys. Analysis received March 2023. Please see “Children's Work and Education Statistics: Sources and Definitions” in the Reference Materials section of this report.
- U.S. Department of State. Trafficking in Persons Report- 2022: St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Washington, D.C., July 19, 2022.
https://www.state.gov/reports/2022-trafficking-in-persons-report/st-vincent-and-the-grenadines/ - U.S. Embassy- Bridgetown. Reporting. January 13, 2021.
- Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Education Act Revised 2005. Enacted: 1992. Source on file.
- iWitnessNews. Gov't to clamp down on abuse of school buses. February 25, 2022.
https://www.iwnsvg.com/2022/02/25/govt-to-clamp-down-on-abuse-of-school-buses/ - U.S. Embassy- Bridgetown official. E-mail communication to USDOL official. June 10, 2022.
- Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Employment of Women, Young Persons, and Children Act, no. 85. Enacted: July 1, 1938. Source on file.
- Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Occupational Safety and Health Act of 2017. Enacted: November 24, 2017. Source on file.
- Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Criminal Code. Enacted: 1988. Source on file.
- Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act, no. 27. Enacted: September 29, 2011. Source on file.
- Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Prevention of Trafficking in Persons (Amendment) Act. Enacted: February 23, 2023. Source on file.
- Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Cybercrime Act. Enacted: 2016. Source on file.
- Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Police Act Revised Edition 1990, Chapter 280. Enacted: 1947. Source on file.
- CIA. The World Factbook: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Accessed March 6, 2019. Please see “Labor Law Enforcement: Sources and Definitions” in the Reference Materials section of this report.
https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/saint-vincent-and-the-grenadines/ - Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Human Trafficking, a Global Phenomenon. March 2, 2023.
http://legal.gov.vc/legal/index.php/news/50-human-trafficking-a-global-phenomenon - U.S. Embassy- Bridgetown. Reporting. March 20, 2023.
- U.S. Embassy- Bridgetown. Reporting. February 8, 2022.
- Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Trafficking in Persons Questionnaire. February 2, 2023. Source on file.
- U.S. Embassy- Bridgetown. Reporting. February 16, 2021.
- Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Factories Act, Chapter 335. Revised Edition: 1990.
https://www.ilo.org/dyn/legosh/en/f?p=LEGPOL:1100:6423512078601::::P1100_THEME_ID:100497 - Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Saint Vincent and The Grenadines Receives Digital Training in their Fight Against Human Trafficking. Ministry of National Security, July 13, 2021.
http://www.security.gov.vc/security/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=570:saint-vincent-and-the-grenadines-receives-digital-training-in-their-fight-against-human-trafficking&catid=19&Itemid=195 - U.S. Embassy- Bridgetown. Reporting. February 17, 2022.
- Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines official, written communication to USDOL official. March 20, 2023. Source on File.
- Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Summary of Actions – NAP 2021–2025. 2021. Source on file.
- Zero Hunger Trust Fund. Adopt A Classroom. Accessed: March 22, 2023. Source on file.
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