[www.inewsguyana.com] – The Ministerial Task Force on Trafficking in Persons (TIP) recently conducted a number of awareness and sensitisation sessions in Region Nine; targeting residents, health workers, Amerindian leaders and secondary school students. This outreach is in keeping with the Task Force’s 2014-2015 Action Plan.
A press release from the Home Affairs Ministry stated that sessions were held at Karasabai, Aishalton, Sand Creek, Annai, Lethem, Long Creek and St. Ignatius.
Presentations were delivered on causes, detection, and consequences of human trafficking. Residents were also enlightened on the techniques used by traffickers.
The sessions also saw highly interactive sessions which allowed participants to voice their concerns, all of which were documented by the team for follow-up action.
At Karasabai, the team spoke with Community Health Workers (CHWs) and toshaos from Tiger Pond, Tiperu, Rukumoto, Yurong Paru, Karasabai, Pai Pang and Taushida.
Additionally, over 300 students (from forms three to five) drawn from the Annai, Aishalton and Sand Creek secondary schools were also engaged in discussions. At each of the schools, brochures and posters were handed to students. Materials were also given to the head teacher of St. Ignatius Secondary for distribution to students.
The Ministerial Task Force was created under the Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act No. 2 of 2005, which is as a result of the Government’s recognition of the seriousness of trafficking in persons and its act to eradicate and prevent same.
It comprises the Ministries of Home Affairs; Labour, Human Services and Social Security; Legal Affairs; Foreign Affairs; Amerindian Affairs; Guyana Geology and Mines Commission; Guyana Police Force; Indigenous Peoples’ Association; Help and Shelter; Food for the Poor; and the Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions
In June earlier this year, the Task Force launched a new action plan 2014-2015, which will be implemented in a two-year period. It will see more measures put in place to protect victims of human trafficking in addition to widespread awareness campaign.
