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Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. 111) - Guyana (RATIFICATION: 1975)

Further to its previous comments, the Committee notes the information supplied by the Government in its report and particularly the Public Service Rules (1987 edition).

1. The Committee notes the Government's statement that the Equal Rights Bill was submitted to the National Assembly on 19 March 1990 with a view to giving effect to article 29 of the Constitution which provides for equal rights and opportunities for men and women. The Government indicates that, if this Bill is adopted, other Acts will be amended. The Committee requests the Government to supply the text of the Act as soon as it has been adopted and to inform it of the amendments made as a result to legislation and regulations. The Committee in particular wishes to point out in this respect the need to amend section 22 of the Public Officers Insurance Act (Cap. 27:10) which excludes female officers from its scope.

2. The Committee once again hopes that the Government, in relation to the equality provided for in article 29, paragraph 2, of the Constitution, will be able to take the necessary measures to facilitate the access of women to education and vocational training, particularly in trades which are not traditionally exercised by women and, at the same time, to promote equality of opportunity for women in employment. The Committee also hopes that the next report will contain information on any positive measures that have been taken to this end, along with statistical data on the number of women employed in both the private and the public sectors (including the public administration).

3. The Committee notes with interest the information on the number of scholarships awarded to Amerindian students during the period from 1962 to January 1989. It requests the Government to continue informing it of the progress that is achieved through the implementation of this scholarship programme and to supply copies with its next report of any official document relating to the programme. The Committee also hopes that the Government will not fail to supply the text of the laws in force concerning the protection, welfare and progress of the Amerindians.

4. The Committee notes Act No. 17 of 1984 respecting the Public Service Appellate Tribunal and requests the Government to supply with its next report a copy of the judgements handed down by the above Tribunal concerning questions of discrimination.