HUMAN TRAFFICKING CASES INCREASE IN JAMAICA

Keshia West, Manager of the National Task Force Against Trafficking in Persons, says the unit continues to see an increase in human trafficking cases in Jamaica.
Speaking Monday morning on TVJ’s Smile Jamaica, Ms West said between 2010 and 2016, the unit rescued more than 70 victims.

She said the Government is working to increase public awareness so that Jamaicans are better able to identify the crime and assist victims.

“We want persons to be able to fully understand that this is criminal offence in Jamaica and that we all have an obligation to spot the trafficker and report them to the relevant authorities,” she contended.

Meanwhile, Miss West said there is need for more uniformity in the legislation that deals with trafficking in persons.

Specifically, she made reference to the Child Care and Protecton Act and the Trafficking in Persons Act, which carry maximum penalties of 10 and 20 years, respectively.

The Child Care and Protecton Act is currently undergoing review and according to Ms West, the maximum penalty “would have to be considered in terms of reconciling that difference to meet with the specified penalty under the Trafficking (in Persons) Act”.

Jamaica has recorded four convictions for human trafficking since the legislation was enacted in 2007.

One thought on “HUMAN TRAFFICKING CASES INCREASE IN JAMAICA

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top