Gov’t Committed to Eradicating Child Labour and Human Trafficking – Labour Minister
By: April 18, 2016 ,The Key Point:
The Facts
- Minister Robinson informed that legislative amendments are coming to strengthen the prosecution of human traffickers.
- For his part, Ambassador Moreno said he was encouraged by the steps being taken by Jamaica to address child labour and human trafficking, which included arrests and convictions.
The Full Story
Labour and Social Security Minister, Hon. Shahine Robinson, says the Government remains committed to the eradication of child labour and human trafficking in Jamaica.
She was addressing a meeting with United States (US) Ambassador to Jamaica, His Excellency, Luis G. Moreno, and other officials from the US Embassy, at the Ministry’s downtown Kingston offices on April 15.
Minister Robinson informed that legislative amendments are coming to strengthen the prosecution of human traffickers.
Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Patrick Allen, in his Throne Speech at the ceremonial opening of Parliament on Thursday (April 14), announced that the Trafficking in Persons (Prevention, Suppression and Punishment) Act will be amended to enable the courts to prosecute offences under the Act without a jury.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Colette Roberts-Risden, in her remarks, stressed that the Ministry took the issue of child labour and human trafficking seriously.
She said the Ministry will be making the work permit system more “robust” in order to weed out unscrupulous persons.
For his part, Ambassador Moreno said he was encouraged by the steps being taken by Jamaica to address child labour and human trafficking, which included arrests and convictions.