PRESIDENT of the Guyana Women Miners’ Association (GWMO), Ms. Simona Broomes, was last week honoured by US Secretary of State, John Kerry as one of 2013’s nine Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report Heroes.

Broomes joined the other eight honorees last Wednesday at the U.S. Department of State where both the presentation ceremony and the unveiling of the 2013 Trafficking in Persons Report were held.
According to a statement from the US Embassy here in Georgetown, “At the June 19 TIP Report rollout event, Secretary Kerry paid special tribute to the 2013 TIP Report Heroes, men and women whose personal efforts have made an extraordinary difference in the global fight against modern slavery.”
It went on to say, “In 2013, nine people were chosen as TIP Report Heroes in the Fight against Modern-Day Slavery. Guyana’s Simona Broomes was selected from among the many impressive nominees from around the world.”
As required by the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA), the statement said, the TIP Report assesses governments around the world on their efforts to combat modern slavery.
In the local context, Broomes has championed the cause, and with the help of her organization, continues to wage a fearless and unrelenting battle against Trafficking in Persons.  TIP involves, literally, the luring of woUI men and girls, and even young males from their homestead into environments where they are seduced or forced into sexual activity (selling their bodies), under the  pretext of entering job situations from which they can earn money.
“Ms. Broomes is a consistently powerful, vocal advocate against TIP, and continues to take direct action – often at great personal risk – to protect and assist victims of trafficking,” the statement reiterated, adding:
“Each year, the Department of State honours individuals around the world who have devoted their lives to the fight against human trafficking.  These individuals are NGO workers, lawmakers, police officers, and concerned citizens committed to ending modern slavery.
“They are recognized for their tireless efforts – despite resistance, opposition, and threats to their lives – to protect victims, punish offenders, and raise awareness of ongoing criminal practices in their countries and abroad.”
Commending Broomes’ contribution to the fight against Trafficking in Persons, the statement outlined:  “Simona Broomes has demonstrated extraordinary bravery and leadership in raising the awareness of human trafficking in Guyana.
“After 25 years as a miner, she established the Guyana Women Miners Organization in 2012 to empower women miners and address unique challenges women face operating in remote areas.”
It was also noted that Ms. Broomes has rescued several trafficking victims, and her organization provides temporary housing for victims to ensure their safety.
“Under Ms. Broomes’ dynamic leadership,” the statement said, “the GWMO and its 440 members take direct action to protect victims and have become consistently powerful advocates against human trafficking.”
Meanwhile, crediting the work of the GWMO, the statement affirmed, “From a small group of women banding together to solve common challenges, the GWMO has become a recognized force in combating trafficking in persons and promoting equality and economic opportunities for women in Guyana.”
The US Embassy statement said that, in addition to the TIP award activities in Washington, D.C., Ms. Broomes will participate in an International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) exchange from June 17 to June 26, 2013, entitled “2013 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report Heroes.”
The IVLP is the premier professional exchange program managed by the Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs for the purpose of fostering mutual understanding between the United States and other countries, through program events and visits that reflect the professional backgrounds of the participants.
Sponsored by the Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, in partnership with the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons (J/TIP), the IVLP exchange program will provide an opportunity for Ms. Broomes to travel to U.S. cities outside of Washington for meetings with American counterparts engaged in combating trafficking in persons, the release said.
Commenting on some of the benefits of the IVLP programme, the US Embassy release said: “The project will offer her local perspectives on this global problem, cultural experiences, as well as the opportunity for informal dialogue with fellow TIP Heroes.”
“It is our hope that the experience will be valuable for Ms. Broomes as she continues to engage the Government of Guyana, law enforcement authorities, the international community, local communities and the media to bring public attention to human trafficking, while advocating for improved monitoring, education, counseling, and law enforcement interventions,” the statement concluded.
The 13th installment, this year’s Report includes narratives of 188 countries and territories.  The report is available online at http://www.state.gov/j/tip/.