As the issue of trafficking in persons continues to increase in Guyana, the Human Services Ministry yesterday announced that a shelter will be constructed to house victims of trafficking. This announcement was made by Human Services Minister, Jennifer Webster during the opening of a three day TIP training of trainers’ workshop at the Conference Center.
“The ministry will specifically erect a shelter to house Trafficking in Persons victims, provide life skill training opportunities as we seek to empower them,” Minister Webster said.
The Minister noted that Trafficking in Persons constitutes a serious threat to human rights, dignity and personal development. She reiterated that government will spare no efforts in prosecuting those accused of such a crime.
According to Webster, thus far, there have been six reports of TIP cases, and three convictions by the judicial system.
She urged the participants to be proactive in preventing traffickers from making progress in society and not to be naïve into thinking that the traffickers do not use innovative methods to lure their victims.
In this regard, the Minister said that greater emphasis must be placed on gathering intelligence on the ground.
Meanwhile, Chief of Mission of the United States Embassy in Georgetown Bryan Hunt in his remarks called for greater collaboration among all stakeholders to effectively tackle the issue.
Hunt noted that Trafficking in Persons is the second most profitable crime in the world, as it attracts US$32B annually.
