The minister related that when persons are trafficked they are robbed of human rights, their freedom and every opportunity that they have for self-development.
Dr Persaud also called for a more coordinated approach against TIP.
“Which means every agency, every department, every ministry, every private sector entity [and] every mission we need to stand and not only raise our voices against TIP, but we need to encourage persons to report it that is the only way we can help someone who is being trafficked.”
“This is not a one man, a one woman or one agency battle, it is a battle that should involve anyone,” Dr Persaud added.
Reporting TIP in Guyana has been made more accessible with the hotline – 592 STOP and also includes Spanish and Portuguese responders.
Guyana has managed to retain its Tier 1 ranking in TIP over the past three years but Dr Persaud is aiming to have more convictions.
“I want to appeal to all of you, let us try to see if we can have more convictions, this is the one thing we need to work the hardest in,” Dr Persaud said while explaining that when persons are trafficked and rescued there is a level of fear, insecurity and uncertainty.
She added: “we need to bolster their confidence; we need to provide support so that they can confront those perpetrators.”
