Local anti-human trafficking unit soon

As this country continues to take steps to be removed from a tier two watch list of countries who failed to implement measures for the prevention of human trafficking,{{more}} the announcement of the formation of a unit within the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force to deal specifically with offences relating to trafficking was made.

According to Keith Miller, Commissioner of Police, who was speaking at the opening ceremony of a three-day technical workshop on human trafficking yesterday, persons have already been identified, and following the three-day workshop, the unit will officially be established within the first week of February.

The unit will also deal with issues relating to sexual offences and domestic violence, the Commissioner said.

Miller also announced that Section 34 of the Bill for the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act provides for the establishment of a national task force.

“This has already been instituted and is chaired by the Minister of National Security,” Miller said.

He further explained that the Act gives further provisioning for the minister to provide an annual report on trafficking of persons in the House.

The report, according to Miller, will include the number of victims, investigations initiated, number of persons arrested and number of prosecutions commenced and the outcome.

“Amongst other functions, the anti-trafficking unit will be responsible for assisting the minister with the preparation of his annual report,” the Commissioner explained.

The unit is also expected to work along with the Gender Affairs Division, including the crisis centre for battered women, the Commissioner said. (DD)