Norman Faria, that country's consul in Barbados said the aim was to ensure the workers' rights were respected, including the receiving of proper benefits and wages.

Faria said he continues to receive "a worrying number of reports" of firms "shamelessly" flouting Barbadian labour laws, though many were respecting them and ordinary Barbadians welcomed the newcomers into their midst.

"There are cases of employers, though registered as businesses, failing to pay in NIS payments, failing to apply for a work permit for the worker even though they continue to deduct monies.

"There are also instances of management dismissing workers at their whims and fancies, sometimes owing them back wages and then calling in Immigration for them," said Faria, adding that he had had to act on reports from aggrieved Guyanese sent back to Guyana.

The consulate is in frequent contact with Barbadian institutions such as the Labour Department and the NIS Office.

"These departments are fully co-operative and generally show the utmost kindness and consideration for Guyanese with legitimate complaints, though there are instances of unprofessionalism. I must say too, that there are quite a few well established firms, and even the not so well known, who abide by all the regulations and treat Guyanese as any other workers.

"The consulate also urges Guyanese to join the trade union at their workplace," Faria said. (PR)