The Ministry of Social Protection’s Counter Trafficking In Persons (C-TIP) unit has received 13 reports of human trafficking to date, all of which are currently under investigation, according to GINA.
Two of the cases were reported in January, allegedly involving two victims; five in February involving eight alleged victims; two in March involving seven alleged victims; three in April involving 10 alleged victims, and one in May involving one alleged victim.
Tanisha Williams- Corbin, TIP Coordinator (Ag) explained that in 2015, the TIP unit sought to expand its operations to better serve the needs of those vulnerable persons, identified as alleged TIP victims, and to better execute its mandate.
According to GINA, during the launch of the C-TIP unit’s Jubilee edition of educational materials today, to heighten awareness on human trafficking and its effects, Williams-Corbin said that since the restructuring, two experienced probation officers have been recruited for the unit, and a police rank is now attached to it. The Ministry also envisions having its own legal officer shortly.
Mohan Ramrattan, Deputy Permanent Secretary (DPS) warned all perpetrators who are involved in the act of human trafficking that, the Ministry will do all it can to prevent it.
He said that the Ministry intends to address the root causes of human trafficking, especially that of poverty. This will be done through the provision of counselling services, public assistance and necessary psycho-social support in keeping with the Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act of 2005, and provision of technical training and grants and loans to at risk families.
