Antigua & Barbuda in fight against human trafficking

Women Jamaica, Guyana and St. Lucia promised jobs but forced to prostitute.

ST. JOHN’S, Antigua, Friday March 2, 2012 - Human trafficking is present and active in Antigua and Barbuda.

That according to a recently released Caribbean Human Development Report on Citizen Security, which outlined that there were elements of human trafficking in the country, mainly forced prostitution.

The report added that a number of women being prostituted were immigrant women from Jamaica, Guyana and St. Lucia, who came to the twin-island state on the promise of employment as bartenders, masseuses, hotel workers or dancers, but were forced into prostitution on arrival.

Furthermore, UNDP investigations also revealed that Antiguan and Barbudan immigration officers and senior officials were part of the illegal activity, taking bribes from those involved in organised crime networks, and allowing the women into the country.

Executive director of Gender Affairs Directorate, Sheila Roseau said a national task force formed in accordance with the Trafficking in Persons (Prevention) Act of 2010 had begun its implementation of measures to be taken, and noted that training will also be provided to the relevant authorities. Click here to receive free news bulletins via email from Caribbean360. (View sample)