Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security, Ambassador Alison Stone Roofe says that “for every person rescued, we rescue hope”.
She made the statement in relation to the over 130 victims of human trafficking rescued in Jamaica.
The Permanent Secretary was speaking at the inaugural Caribbean Trafficking in Persons (CariTIP) Forum held earlier today (July 30) at the Dreams Rose Hall Resort and Spa in Montego Bay, St. James. The Forum was held under the theme ‘Strengthening Regional Cooperation to Eliminate Trafficking in Persons: Sharing Experiences, Showcasing Progress and Scaling Best Practices’.
Ambassador Stone Roofe added that though the Caribbean region faces unique challenges in addressing human trafficking, Jamaica is dedicated to “working hand-in-hand with our regional partners, international organisations and civil society to ensure that justice is served and victims are protected”.
She noted that Jamaica continues to employ strategies that have yielded numerous successes in the fight against human trafficking.
“We have established the National Taskforce Against Trafficking in Persons in 2005, amended the Trafficking in Persons (Prevention, Suppression and Punishment) Act to increase the term of imprisonment from 10 years up to a maximum of 30 years [and] secured 16 convictions...” Ambassador Stone Roofe highlighted.
Additionally, she pointed out that the establishment of the Office of the National Rapporteur on Trafficking in Persons - the first of its kind in the region - is another major success for Jamaica.
In her closing comments, Ambassador Stone Roofe encouraged the attendees to continue to share solutions to end the scourge of human trafficking.
Similarly, Political and Economic Counselor of the United States Embassy, George Mathews reiterated the US government’s shared resolve to eliminate human trafficking through continued partnership.
“As we mark this milestone and reflect on 20 years of progress, we also look forward with resolve and optimism to what we can achieve together in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean region, through an open dialogue, share best practices and strong regional cooperation, we will continue to protect the vulnerable, pursue justice and move closer to a future free of trafficking in persons,” he stated.
th The CariTIP Forum forms part of the week of activities in commemoration of the 20 Anniversary of the National Taskforce Against Trafficking in Persons. It is also being held in observance of World Day Against Trafficking in Persons and is geared towards knowledge exchange, strengthened partnerships while developing strategies to eradicate trafficking in persons across the nation.
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