It is estimated that a significant percentage of children in the poorest of Jamaican families are sent to work at an early age. According to the Statistical Institute of Jamaica an estimated 2.2 percent of children ages 5-17 years were working in Jamaica in 2002. The report also showed that while child labour is not reported to be a significant problem in Jamaica’s formal sector, children are found working in certain sectors such as agriculture, and tourism. The figures also disclose that more than 2,800 children live on the streets, and are engaged in work such as newspaper delivery, vending, and domestic services.

Children also work as shop assistants in carpentry and mechanic shops. In the hospitality sector, children are reported to work in kitchens, hotels, and recreational and cultural activities. Increasingly, children are becoming involved in dangerous forms of activities including prostitution, drug smuggling and gun-running.

Like many countries throughout the world, Jamaica has recognized that the problem of child labour requires urgent attention. Against this background, in March 2004, the House of Representatives approved amendments to the Child Care and Protection Act enabling Jamaica to fulfill its commitment that the principles of the 1989 United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Jamaica ratified the Convention in May 1991 and a decision was taken to enact legislation to combine and reinforce existing child protection laws with new legislative Provisions to protect children from abuse.

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