Chair of NATFATIP Lauds Media

Chairperson of the National Task Force Against Trafficking in Persons (NATFATIP), Carol Palmer, has lauded the media for their contribution to public awareness and education on human trafficking.

“The media have contributed in a very large way to getting the message out. The media have now engaged us and there is a different voice that you hear when the ranking comes out. We want to applaud media houses for coming on board,” she said.

Mrs. Palmer, while speaking at a recent JIS ‘Think Tank’, highlighted that the Task Force has a comprehensive public-awareness and education programme under way, which targets women and children.

“Our emphasis is really on our children because children are helpless, they trust every adult and what we have been doing is we are abusing them.  I must say that media houses even volunteer to have programmes for us in addition to the paid service we are able to afford,” she noted.

Mrs. Palmer stressed the importance of commencing training in schools to also heighten awareness, as children are major stakeholders in combating human trafficking.

“Every citizen should play his or her part in helping to reduce this crime,” she said.

The Chairperson emphasised that she is not advising citizens to take matters into their own hands, but to report suspicious cases to the police.

“It is dangerous. We want those who are so equipped to do the investigation; all we ask is that citizens bring to the attention of the authorities any suspicion that they have of what is going on,” she said.

To report suspicions on human trafficking, persons may call 1-888-PROTECT (776-8328) for victims under the age of 18; or for older victims, the TIP Unit at 967-1389 or email tip.ocid@jcf.gov.jm