THIRTY recruits of the Guyana Fire Service are being trained to identify potential victims of human trafficking and respond appropriately to suspected cases as part of efforts to strengthen the national response to the crime.
The training session, organised by the Ministry of Home Affairs, through the Secretariat of the Ministerial Task Force on Trafficking in Persons, was held Tuesday, October 27, at the Guyana Fire Service Training School in Leonora, West Coast Demerara.
The initiative is intended to equip the recruits with a basic understanding of trafficking in persons, including the different forms of exploitation, the indicators of trafficking and the procedures for identifying and assisting potential adult and child victims.
Participants are also being sensitised to the importance of adopting a human rights-based approach when dealing with suspected victims, ensuring that appropriate responses prioritise their safety, dignity and protection.
Inspector Marilyn Rodney, Head of the Guyana Police Force’s Trafficking in Persons Unit, is among the presenters scheduled to guide the recruits through the identification of potential victims. The programme will also address offences under the Combating Trafficking in Persons Act No. 7 of 2023.
Particular emphasis is being placed on the appropriate handling of suspected cases, including reporting mechanisms and referral procedures to ensure that potential victims can be directed to the relevant authorities for assistance and protection.
To reinforce the practical application of the information, the session includes case studies, role-playing exercises and group discussions. These activities are designed to help recruits assess possible trafficking situations and consider appropriate responses they may be required to make in the course of their duties.
The training brings together representatives of the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministerial Task Force Secretariat and the Guyana Police Force’s Trafficking in Persons Unit.
The 30 recruits constitute the first batch selected to participate in the training initiative, which seeks to broaden awareness of trafficking in persons among members of the emergency services and strengthen their capacity to recognise and report suspected cases.
