KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — Minister of Justice, Delroy Chuck, says despite gains by various agencies, there will be no ease in the fight against the trafficking of humans.

According to the minister, both the prosecution arm of the State and police investigators have been making strides to send the “right signal” to make the activity a thing of the past in Jamaica.

“We have successfully prosecuted a number of persons who are engaged in human trafficking, and the police are determined to remove the scourge of human trafficking. Jamaica could not have that issue as part of our daily life,” the Minister said.

He was delivering the opening remarks at a workshop held yesterday, at The Knutsford Court Hotel, in New Kingston.

The event was organised by the National Taskforce Against Trafficking in Persons (NTFATP), and held under the theme ‘Understanding Human Trafficking, Supporting Victims’.

Chuck pointed out that human trafficking is the third most lucrative criminal enterprise in the world, and persons involved have the means to corrupt law-enforcement officers and the criminal-justice system.

“Even though our institutions and systems are improving, big money can undermine different arms of the State apparatus that have responsibility for the safety, security and protection of Jamaicans,” he told his audience.

The minister said the Government will be increasing the budget for the Victim Support Unit, as victim support must extend beyond the end of exploitation and any criminal prosecution.

“It must involve reintegration into society. Victims need long-term support, because there is no family support and the structures do not exist at the community level to secure sustained and appropriate interventions,” he said.

Meanwhile, State Minister in the Ministry of National Security, Senator Pearnel Charles Jr, said the issue has priority attention from the Government, and persons trained should use the information garnered at the workshop to help in the fight.

He also highlighted the pieces of legislation that have been enacted to fight the criminal activity.