Omar Anderson, Gleaner Writer
Tesfa Edwards (left), playing a conman, 'attacks' Damion Radcliffe, playing a desperate Jamaican who flew to the United States looking for employment in the farmwork programme. The two, members of the Independent Actors Movement, were performing during last night's public forum/mini expo, 'Avoid Human Trafficking: Be Slick ... Dont Get Tricked', which was presented by the Cabinet Office at Emancipation Park.RICARDO MAKYN/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
GOVERNMENT IS seeking to give human trafficking a knockout punch by reviewing the country's work permit system, as well as clamping down on facilities where the trade is suspected of being conducted.
The authorities are also receiving $10 million in aid from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to help make Jamaicans aware of this scourge.
The moves come after the United States Government earlier this year planned to impose financial and other forms of sanctions against Jamaica if it did not implement measures to reduce or eliminate human trafficking here.
Speaking at a public forum held at Emancipation Park in St. Andrew, which was organised by the Cabinet Office, National Security Minister Dr. Peter Phillips emphasised Jamaica's pledge to protect its citizens against human trafficking.
NEW FORM OF SLAVERY
"We will need to spend $10 million in undertaking a comprehensive analysis of this situation and allow us to track it," the minister said, adding that the Inter-American Development Bank will provide the funding.
Defining trafficking as the use of force, coercion, deception or fraud to recruit, transport or receive persons, Dr. Phillips stated that "this new form of slavery" has disastrous implications for its main victims; women and children.
He added that Jamaica should be "a foremost advocate" against this new "slavery", based on its history.
"At the policy level, the Government is considering a review of the work permit system and a debate on the sex industry, to ensure that they are not used as a means of exploitation and coercion," the National Security Minister said.
He added that these initiatives will heighten public awareness and general debate so citizens can have a common understanding of issues to form strategies to address human trafficking.
Addressing the forum, Thomas Tighe, charge d'affaires at the United States Embassy in Kingston, said yesterday's event was the beginning of "a long and sustained campaign to protect everyone in Jamaica".
Admitting that human trafficking also existed in the United States which has enacted law to counter it, Mr. Tighe said he was "encouraged" by the activities of the national task force formed to deal with human trafficking.
"We know that law enforcement must play a large role in bringing to justice those who traffic and exploit the people of Jamaica ..." the charge d'affaires said.
