Government Committed to Eliminating Human Trafficking – Senator Golding
By: , February 3, 2014The Key Point:
The Facts
- Public education is a critical component in preventing human trafficking.
- The NTFATIP has also responded to an urgent call for action, by implementing several initiatives and strategies.
The Full Story
Justice Minister, Senator the Hon. Mark Golding, says the Government remains committed to eliminating the scourge of human trafficking.
He gave this assurance while addressing the four-day Trafficking in Persons training seminar, organized by National Task Force Against Trafficking in Persons (NTFATIP), being held at the Sunset Jamaica Grande Hotel in Ocho Rios, St. Ann.
Noting that the task of eliminating human trafficking is “formidable”, Senator Golding contended that it requires constant review of Jamaica’s justice system, in order to build the requisite capacity to effectively counter the illicit activity.
He further emphasized that “an important element of this is to provide avenues for training and sensitization.”
“Public education is a critical component in preventing human trafficking, and a targeted and well sustained public education campaign has been devised and rolled out with the help of our international partners,” he informed.
The Minister commended the NTFATIP for its work in enhancing national capacity, and developing and supporting implementation of Jamaica’s legislative, institutional, and operational response to human trafficking.
He said the NTFATIP has also responded to an urgent call for action, by implementing several initiatives and strategies, citing the training seminar as one such.
Senator Golding said the seminar aimed to expose participants to the full range of methodologies and processes that will equip them with necessary inputs to enhance the effectiveness of the justice system’s response.
“We have a responsibility to protect helpless victims who are caught in the tangled web of human trafficking. Let us stay the course, and target the perpetrators,” the Minister urged.
Other notable speakers at the seminar were: Chief Justice, Hon. Zaila McCalla; Director of Public Prosecutions, Miss Paula Llewellyn; and Deputy Commissioner of Police, Carl Williams.
The seminar, which commenced on January 30, concludes on February 2.