A team of four (4) representatives from the Ministerial Task Force on Trafficking in Persons (MTFTIP) visited the Imbaimadai community in Region 7, as well as surrounding areas, from June 14-17, 2013.
This is according to a press release issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
It was noted that the aim of the visit was to conduct monitoring exercises, training and awareness activities, along with listening to and considering the concerns raised by villagers in relation to trafficking in persons and child labour.
“The team engaged shop owners, convened meetings and conducted focus group discussions with residents from Imbaimadai, Kambaru Creek, Chai Chai Falls, Partang, Fort Knox and Jawalla,” the Home Affairs Ministry stated.
It was noted that in an attempt to educate the participants and deter them from participating in or allowing themselves to be exposed to perpetrators, the team engaged them on the effects of trafficking in persons on the lives of those exposed to the scourge, sharing practical examples, and explaining the consequences and legal ramifications for perpetrating or supporting the crime.
According to the Home Affairs Ministry, the team also distributed flyers and other informative materials to the meetings’ participants and other persons living and working in the area.
“Focus was placed on key features of the Combating Trafficking in Persons Act No. 2 of 2005 with the aim to educate participants of the various provisions and prescriptions in the law.”
Only recently, the United States in its annual TIP report, placed Guyana on Tier 2 on the watch list and chided the government for not doing enough to tackle the situation.
The US report was rejected by the government.
