By Sheria Brathwaite
As investigations continue into a viral video of a four-year-old child appearing to be conducting on a public service vehicle, General Secretary of the Barbados Workers’ Union (BWU) Toni Moore has expressed concern over breaches of the child’s rights and the emotional impact the situation could have on the child.
In a statement on Monday, Moore said the matter was not to be taken lightly, adding that in light of this situation, it was important to reinforce the importance of the child’s welfare.
She said: “The recent circulation of a video depicting a four-year-old child allegedly working on a public service vehicle is deeply concerning. While we await the official report, this incident presents a critical moment for us as a Barbadian community to reflect and act.
“Our primary concern lies with the welfare and safety of the child involved. Child labour, in any form, is a serious issue that undermines the fundamental rights and development of children. It is crucial to reinforce the firm stance on child safety and welfare based on international standards, specifically the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.”
Referencing Article 32 of the convention, Moore added that a child should be protected from performing any work that is likely to be hazardous, interfere with the child’s education, be harmful to the child’s health or physical, mental, spiritual, moral, or social development.
The video, which blew up on social media over the weekend, shows a minor opening the door of a PSV to let passengers out and then getting back inside. The boy then pulled down a side seat and stuck his head out the window. Lewd music was playing in the vehicle and the passenger who shot the video indicated that the boy must be working as he took the fare from them.
Moore said that situation was not an environment a child should be in and urged parents to find ways to better balance their work and personal life.
“This incident not only raises concerns about the physical safety of the child but also about broader social and emotional impacts,” the union leader said. “Exposure to inappropriate environments, such as those containing profanities or other harmful influences, can have lasting negative effects on a child’s development.
“The Barbados Workers’ Union is deeply embedded in the fabric of our society, and we are acutely aware of the hustle and resilience required to make ends meet. We understand that sometimes, people are confronted with tough choices when trying to balance the demands of work and family life. This context, however challenging, should not lead to decisions that compromise the safety and well-being of our children.
“While we do not wish to cast judgement on the individuals involved, we urge Barbadians to consider the long-term welfare of our children in their daily decisions.”
When contacted, head of the Alliance Owners of Public Transport (AOPT) Roy Raphael told Barbados TODAY that his association was investigating the matter and it would be premature to comment at this stage.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Santia Bradshaw ordered the probe hours after the video went viral. A report was to be submitted to her on Monday by midday. Efforts to reach Bradshaw for an update on the investigation were unsuccessful.
Expressing shock after viewing the video, she said this type of behaviour would not be tolerated under her watch and she asked the director of the Transport Authority to have the matter investigated.
Bradshaw said that initially, she thought it was fake news “as such behaviour is neither appropriate for a child nor indeed is it the Barbados way”.
sheriabrathwaite@barbadostoday.bb
