“From screens to streets” – PM urges action to formalise gig work, protect freelancers

Prime Minister (PM) Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips has called for bold regional action to better protect freelancers, gig workers, and the growing informal labour force across the Caribbean. Speaking at the opening of the 13th Caribbean Ministers of Labour Meeting in Guyana, Phillips emphasised the need for coordinated strategies to address digital work, climate change, and labour migration.

The PM explained that while the Caribbean is undergoing significant economic transformation, spurred by industries like oil and gas and digital services, many workers remain left out of existing legal protections and social security systems—especially those operating within the informal sector or earning income through gig and platform-based work.
“By investing in skills training, expanding social protection coverage, and supporting cooperative business models, Caribbean Governments can unlock the full potential of their workforces while reducing the risk that comes from exclusion and informality. Closely tied to informal work is the growth of the platform economy, or as some people call it, the gig, which has been gaining momentum across the Caribbean. This model, powered by digital platforms, offers flexible work through ride-hailing, freelancing, and delivery services”.
“As this sector continues to expand, regional strategies are needed to formalise gig work, strengthen protections, and ensure that the future of work includes everyone, whether behind a desk, a wheel, or a screen. As we continue to strengthen our labour systems, we must remain vigilant to the evolving threats that impact worker health and safety,” the PM said.
The PM noted the dramatic rise of platform-based work, has created new opportunities but also exposed workers to precarious conditions.
He warned that nearly half of Guyana’s workforce remains in informal employment, making them vulnerable to exploitation and economic instability. On this point, Phillips limited access to international payment platforms and digital banking services, especially in small island economies, further complicates the financial lives of regional freelancers.
“In Guyana, it is estimated that 48 to 53 per cent of our labour force is engaged in informal work. Recognising the vulnerabilities this creates; the Ministry of Labour has made the formalisation of work a key priority. Through seminars, workshops, and inspections, the Ministry has increased outreach to informal workers, particularly on the hinterland regions to promote awareness of labour laws and to ensure compliance across sectors. However, platform-based work often falls into a regulatory gray area. Workers face inconsistent earnings, limited job protections, and barriers to accessing benefits such as health insurance and social security. Payment processing challenges, such as limited access to international platforms, further complicate earnings for Caribbean-based freelancers. Governments and labour organisations across the region are therefore beginning to respond,” he noted.
Meanwhile, as the regional labour market evolves, cross-border migration has become a pressing issue. PM Phillips acknowledged that Guyana’s economic growth has attracted foreign workers, especially in the oil and gas industry, raising concerns about balance and inclusion.
With this in mind, he also called for regional social security agreements, streamlined recruitment processes, and stronger protections for migrant workers, especially given the rise in trans-Caribbean mobility.
“Fully managed migration can open the door to exploitation, social strain, and workforce instability. However, when done right, it can address labour shortages and deepen regional integration while increasing productivity. Therefore, facilitating safe and efficient labour mobility across borders requires coordinated policies, improved vocational training, and a shared commitment to fair treatment… a modern, inclusive labour migration system will benefit the entire region by filling gaps, protecting rights, and supporting economic growth through shared responsibility,” he added.