Jamaica not immune to human trafficking

The lucrative trade of human trafficking continues to haunt the shores of Jamaica and Dominican Republic, which are considered the most vulnerable Caribbean countries to be affected by the illicit activity.

“Majority of the traffic victims are women. They are lured by virtue of wanting a better life through jobs overseas,” argued independent consultant on National and Community Development, Joyce Hewett at a workshop.


She revealed that while Jamaica has made an effort to curb the problem through legislations, like its counterpart, both are still exposed to the illegal trade because of the levels of poverty, unemployment and lack of opportunities.

Children, Mrs. Hewett added, also form part of human trafficking.

“Too often people at the lower end of the socio-economic strata will feel that they can’t provide enough for their children. And they are willing to send them off to a relative or sometimes a stranger to allow them to have a better way of life.”

This practice, she believes, can put the child in danger if the person is involved in the business of human trafficking.

The workshop is aimed at improving the detection, investigation and prosecution of human trafficking in Jamaica and was organized by the Justice Training Institute (JTI) out of the Ministry of Justice. Participants include clerks of court, deputy clerks, police personnel and representatives from the Victim Support Unit.

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