Human trafficking symposium to be held in Manchester

In two weeks, the Custos of Manchester, in collaboration with the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and in partnership with the Northern Caribbean University (NCU), will be hosting a human trafficking education symposium in Mandeville, Manchester.

"I was motivated to put on this conference on human trafficking in Manchester, from my attendance and participation in the Governor General's Youth Consultative Conference in November 2019," Garfield Green told THE CENTRAL STAR.

Green says he became aware that many Jamaicans aren't fully aware of human trafficking.

"I believe that from the seriousness of what was presented, every single person, especially our youths, should be aware of how to identify human trafficking and how to stop human trafficking. It is believed that many persons might actually be victims and not fully aware that they are victims of human trafficking," he said.

As a result, he wants all Jamaicans to play their part in fighting the crime.

SPREAD THE WORD

"Our main participants will be youths from the primary level up to the tertiary level of education. What we have asked each participating school to do, is identify one student who will be named ambassador, who will now be responsible to go back to the school and help to spread the word on human trafficking. These persons will be trained by the Anti-Trafficking Unit of the Jamaica Constabulary Force," he said.

Community leaders from youth clubs, school administrators, church leaders and parents will also be attending.

Though based in Manchester, Green is sure of the positive impact that will be spread right across Jamaica.

"Whatever we do, I'm sure it will have a national impact because of the attention that it is getting. The country will benefit from this conference. As much as the focus is in Manchester because of my jurisdiction, the country will be impacted positively," he said.

The human trafficking education symposium is also being facilitated by the Ministry of Education's Region Five, the Canadian High Commission and the US Embassy, among others.