Rohee said that last year the Ministerial Task Force on Trafficking on Persons (TIPs) waged a consistent struggle against trafficking in persons. 

He explained that the Task Force’s activities were focused on the following specific objectives: to provide information about TIPs and safe migration to vulnerable communities; to improve cooperation mechanisms among key stakeholders to prevent TIPs; to enhance capacity of hinterland communities to prevent TIPs; to provide appropriate and comprehensive direct assistance to victims; to enhance capacity of stakeholders to identify victims and provide direct assistance through training; to formalize and strengthen the inter-agency protocol for responding to trafficking in persons; to enhance the capacity of law enforcement agencies to investigate TIPs; and to enhance cooperative and enforcement mechanisms among neighbouring countries to convict traffickers and protect victims, ‘inter alia.’
Rohee stated that specific initiatives included surveillance at hinterland locations and checkpoints, training of members of community policing groups to support prevent measures and lectures to schools.
He added that a new National Action Plan (2014-2015) is being developed to guide the ongoing fight against TIPs. This new plan seeks to reduce vulnerability especially among youths to the lure of traffickers, expand on sensitization and awareness, broaden the involvement of civil society counteracting traffickers, strengthen law enforcement response and ultimately eliminate TIPs.

Task Force on Narcotic Drugs and Illicit Weapons
The minister said that the Task Force on Narcotic Drugs and Illicit Weapons continued during 2013 to promote and foster inter agency cooperation and collaboration aimed at enabling best use of law enforcement intelligence and to advice on the effective conduct of operations in relation to the narcotics trade and trafficking in illegal weapons. These efforts have assisted with the national initiatives in the fight against the difficult drug problem, he added.
Rohee noted that efforts were particularly focused towards fostering greater linkages with other stakeholder agencies and parties that can aid the national fight against drug trafficking. The Task Force monthly statutory meetings and several special meetings served to facilitate progress in this regard. This trend is likely to continue during 2014-2015, he said.
He noted that the Task Force made several recommendations to influence drug policy resulting from numerous reviews of national, regional, hemispheric and international strategies and action plans to determine best practices that can be incorporated into national initiatives.
Rohee said that the Task Force has generally fulfilled its mandate of interagency collaboration in quite an amicable and unified manner. Constituent members have by and large demonstrated respect for each other as they seem to recognize the value each agency brings to the table.

The Task Force on Fuel Smuggling and Contraband
The Task Force on Fuel Smuggling and Contraband last year continued to forge ahead with its mandate of coordinating the activities of its constituent members to effectively curb the smuggling of fuel and contraband in Guyana, Rohee said.
He noted that in addition, to its routine coordinating functions that were carried out last year , the Task Force’s work programme focused on 11 specific activities: Among the specific actions embarked upon by this Task Force in 2013 were:

1. the completion of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that would be signed between the Guyana Defence Force, the Guyana Energy Agency, the Guyana Revenue Authority, the Guyana Police Force and the Customs Anti Narcotic unit that would allow those Agencies to be embedded on the GDF’s Floating Patrol Base located in the Pomeroon River to conduct joint patrols and operations;

2. the convening of a meeting with representatives of the Private Sector Organizations in March 2013 at which a number of matters that were of concern to the Private Sector were discussed and acted upon;

3. the production of a quarterly newsletter which has enabled the Task Force to appraise relevant stakeholders of the work that was being done to curb smuggling;

4. monitoring and guiding of the implementation of the amendment to the Immigration Regulations in which Eteringbang, Charity, Parika and Ogle were designated Official Ports of Entry; and

5. the initiation of action that would eventually lead in 2014 to the development of standards to facilitate the safe transportation of fuel in bulk quantities on our roads.

The Ministry’s assessment is that 2013 was a good and productive year for the two Task Forces, in which more Inter-Agency collaboration was achieved.
For 2014 the Task Forces will continue each as a coordinating body to ensure that there is synergy and cost effectiveness in our efforts to further reduce the smuggling of fuel and contraband in Guyana, Rohee said.

Ogle International Airport Security Monitoring Committee
Rohee said that the Ogle International Airport Security Monitoring Committee, chaired by the Minister of Home Affairs held several meetings to address security issues and last year a security assessment was conducted and recommendations made to enhance the overall security landscape at this Airport. These recommendations are being implemented.

Inter-Agency Committee on Security of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport
He noted that the Inter-Agency Committee on Security of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport continued to function in 2013 in keeping with its mandate.
Rohee said meetings were held and recommendations made and implemented to address issues regarding the movement of passengers, cargo and mails through the Airport. Standard Operating Procedures were established as well as a special Committee to conduct investigations/interviews. The Committee will continue to work resolutely in 2014 to ensure the safety and security of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport.