Special Constables coursed on human trafficking

The Human Services and Social Security Ministry has expanded its training programme to help
counter trafficking in persons (C-TIP) crimes in Guyana.
Employees coursed a number of Special Constables in C-TIP during a two-day programme how
to spot perpetrators and rescue victims of the now-popular global crime.
Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, during the opening
ceremony condemned the “heinous crime against humanity”.

Minister Persaud visited several sessions during the two-day training and appealed to participants
to ‘say something when they see something’ because ‘perps’ must be identified and prosecuted.
“I am excited that the officers would be better equipped to deal with all forms of abuse. They
would be able to give information to the police, take some initial action and even give
information to the ministry and other agencies,” said Special Superintendent Owen Trotz, who
heads the Constabulary which provided the trainees.
Trotz said the ‘Constab’ has more than 1,000 staff members nationwide who provide services for
most government ministries and agencies, and protection for judges, magistrates, and other
officers of the State.
He is concerned with the bourgeoning of underage Venezuelan females exploited financially at
wash bays and other locally-owned businesses. Other victims here originate from neighbouring
Brazil, and from Dominica and other countries.
Some become prostitutes and are often ill-treated.
Trainee, Romeo Samuels, expressed joy at fresh insights gained in the contemporary version of
an old criminal offence.

Meanwhile, a group of re-migrants from Venezuelan living in Regions One (Barima/Waini);
Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam); Three (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara); Four
(Demerara/Mahaica) and Seven (Cuyuni/Mazaruni) was recently trained by the human services
ministry.
“Identifying the traffickers is the biggest problem, but if they’re not stopped more will join them.
The only way to end this is to put these people behind bars; if they feel they can get off, they
won’t stop. Let’s go out there stronger together. Trafficking in Persons is a heinous crime against
people,” minister Persaud told participants.
“The community engagement is the best engagement. We’re trying different avenues of
how we engage people,” the minister said.