Low prevalence of TIP in Guyana - Human Services Minister

Low prevalence of TIP in Guyana – Human Services Minister

Apr 11, 2014 News

Notwithstanding the extent of Trafficking in Persons (TIP) globally, repeated assessments have revealed a low prevalence of TIP in Guyana, says Human Services Minister Jennifer Webster. Addressing the National Assembly during her budget debate presentation, Webster said, “TIP is a global phenomenon. It is the second largest criminal activity in the world, in conjunction with arms trafficking and trailing the drug trade, according to the United Nations”.

Human Services Minister, Jennifer Webster

While emphasizing the low prevalence of TIP in Guyana, the Minister said the potential impact of TIP on the safety and human rights of citizens has driven the Government and its partners to develop strategies and programmes aimed at combating the illegal activity.
She related that initiatives aimed at combating TIP have been undertaken under the guidance of the Ministerial Task Force on Trafficking In Persons, which comprises representatives of governmental and non-governmental agencies. It is chaired by Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee.
Webster said that Government’s policy on the issue of TIP is to wage a consistent struggle against perpetrators. She assured that Government will always honour its obligations to offer protection and assistance to victims.
“This is contrary to some recent public statements made in the press,” Webster said.
Government has always maintained that TIP is not a problem in Guyana, despite reports to the contrary by the US State Department. In 2012, when the Guyana Women Miners’ Organization (GWMO) began rescuing women and children from sexual exploitation from Guyana’s ‘gold bush’ some Government officials acknowledged that TIP was indeed a problem. Nonetheless, they are adamant that it is not widespread.
Simona Broomes, President of GWMO, has been vocal about Government’s inaction in terms of implementing the provisions under the Laws in providing assistance for victims, or as she prefers to say, survivors of TIP.
Broomes believes survivors are sucked into a vicious cycle because of the lack of counseling, inadequate shelter, absence of resources to reintegrate them into society, and no access to education.
Minister Webster, meanwhile, told the National Assembly that it must be noted that investigations of reported incidents of TIP are conducted by the Guyana Police Force. She said all files or matters with respect to TIP are duly reviewed by the Commissioner of Police or an authorized officer. She explained that there is an established protocol as to how such matters are dealt with. The Guyana Police Force is responsible for informing witnesses or alleged victims of their scheduled appearance in Court.
According to Webster, communication is a key element in relationship building for effective inter-agency collaboration.
“We must communicate and understand the roles and responsibilities of the participating agencies and appreciate each other’s cultural and operating differences. The barriers to inter-agency collaboration are many, but true professionals will continue to work towards removing these barriers,” she said.
She noted that in 2013, there were 20 alleged victims, nine reports, three convictions and six cases which were brought before the Courts. One case was dismissed. The three convictions pertained matters in 2012.
“With respect to the three cases in 2013 which were not brought before the Court, no charge was instituted based upon the legal advice provided by the Director of Public Prosecutions,” she said.
The Minister stressed that the Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security has never rejected any alleged TIP victims and has rendered support in the form of financial aid; the provision of housing, food, and clothing; together with training opportunities and job placement for victims; to facilitate their reintegration into society.
In 2013, the Ministry supported 30 alleged victims, some of whom were rescued during the previous year, Webster said.
“The Ministry continues to urge full reporting of incidents of TIP by every concerned Guyanese and also urges all TIP victims or alleged victims to ensure they testify in the Court of Law to ensure prosecutions which will result in the conviction, and we would like to assure everyone, that Government remains ready to support all victims/alleged victims to ensure their meaningful reintegration into society,” Webster asserted.