Collaboration necessary to weed out human trafficking

Scores of students, police officers and government officials painted Kingstown blue on July 30, 2024, to mark the global celebration for the United Nations World Day against Trafficking in Persons.

‘Don’t let those wicked men destroy us’; ‘Hear our plea and set us free’; and ‘End human trafficking’ are some of the messages participants displayed during Tuesday’s march and rally in Kingstown.

The event was hosted by the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Unit (ATIPU) and stakeholders who addressed the rally stressed the need for collaboration between relevant ministries and departments to weed out those engaging in human trafficking in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

“Partnership in the fight against crime is key. It is imperative that not only local partnerships are formed among local stakeholders, but regionally and internationally as well if we are to, in any serious manner, counter human trafficking. If you see something, say something because you never know when it can reach your doorstep,” Assistant Commissioner of Police, Trevor Bailey said in his address.

He also said at the community level, there needs to be involvement in spotting possible cases of human trafficking.

“The criminals are united in their schemes, therefore in order to defeat them, law abiding citizens must unite among themselves with law enforcement.”

Meanwhile, Youth and Gender Specialist with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Philcol Jeffers, commended St Vincent and the Grenadines on the progress made in raising awareness about human trafficking.

On the legislative side, ‘The Prevention of Trafficking in Persons’ Act was amended to criminalize sex trafficking and labour trafficking, with increased penalties of up to 15 years imprisonment for crimes involving adult victims, and up to 20 years imprisonment for those involving child victims.

The 2024 Trafficking in Persons Report produced by the US Department of State noted the “significant efforts” being made by local law enforcement to eliminate human trafficking. The report listed a number of recommendations to improve the country’s anti-trafficking efforts, including increasing investigations of suspected sex and labour trafficking, the consistent screening of domestic and foreign at-risk populations, increased training for police and judicial officers, and also increasing the capacity of labour inspectors to identify and refer possible victims to authorities.

The winners in the poster competition were announced at the rally. Savannah Antrobus won first place in the 7-10 age group, Kiarra Peters placed second, and Bria Durrant was awarded third place. In the 11-18 age group, Zahndra Roberts won first place, Vaurice John was second, and Alyssan Ambrose was third. The first place winners were awarded Chromebooks and the others received tablets.