– Minister Persaud says every citizen has a role in ending TIP

MINISTER of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, is urging all Guyanese to stand united in the fight to end Trafficking in Persons (TIP), as Guyana continues to maintain its proud Tier One ranking in the U.S. Department of State’s annual TIP Report.

Speaking at the start of Trafficking in Persons Awareness Month, Dr. Persaud called for renewed vigilance and community action to protect vulnerable men, women, and children from exploitation through forced labour and prostitution.

“There are individuals who would like to escape from hardship and poverty. Sometimes in their quest for a better life, to keep their family safe or to repay debt, vulnerable people are exploited through forced prostitution and labour,” Minister Persaud noted in her appeal.

Calling human trafficking a grave violation of human rights, Dr. Persaud emphasised that every citizen has a role to play in reporting suspicious activities. She urged the public to use the TIP hotline — 227-4083 or 623-5030 — if they see or hear of possible trafficking cases.
Guyana’s continued Tier One status reflects strong efforts by the Government to meet the highest international standards for combatting human trafficking. Earlier this year, Dr. Persaud and Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, who serve as Co-Chairs of the Ministerial Task Force on Trafficking in Persons, hosted a pivotal meeting to finalise the New Action Plan for the Prevention and Response to Trafficking in Persons.

The meeting brought together national stakeholders to align priorities, review progress, and chart clear steps under the Prevention, Protection, Prosecution, and Partnership pillars — all designed to strengthen Guyana’s response to TIP and ensure continued alignment with global best practices.
As the country marks TIP Awareness Month, Dr. Persaud says the message is clear: staying at the forefront of the fight against human trafficking requires constant vigilance, community cooperation, and swift action.
“Each of us can help protect a life and secure our nation’s commitment to human rights. It starts with knowing the signs and speaking up,” the Minister said.