… implying that it had failed a young TIP victim

THE item carried by Capitol News on July 21, 2014 implying that the Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security had failed to assist a victim of trafficking in persons (TIP) has been entirely refuted by that ministry in a press release which detailed that the person in question was indeed brought to the Ministry on April 22, 2013, but at the time she was pregnant, and the Ministry provided accommodation to her at a shelter, as well as clothing for herself and the expected child.The Ministry said it also facilitated that person joining a prenatal clinic, and that whilst at the women’s shelter, the alleged victim requested to visit a nearby shop to make a personal purchase.

This request was made on August 21, 2013, and the person was allowed to do as asked by the person in charge of the women’s shelter, but the young woman never returned to the shelter.

Subsequent efforts to locate and contact her proved futile. The Ministry’s staff conducted a search for the young woman, but were unsuccessful in their efforts, the release stated; and
the woman never contacted the Ministry, not even after giving birth to her child; nor did she indicate to the Ministry that she again needed assistance.

The Ministry has said it is always willing to support actual or alleged victims of TIP, and remains committed to supporting this individual and her child. Moreover, the Ministry wishes to indicate that contact can be made via the TIP hotline number 623-5030, or via telephone number 227-4083.

Further, the Ministry wishes to urge Capitol News — and remind other media practitioners — to contact the Ministry on these issues before disseminating such erroneous information.

(Michel Outridge)