MONTEGO BAY, St James — Minister of National Security Dr Horace Chang wants Jamaicans in all sectors to be trained and sensitised to combat human trafficking, which is often described as “modern-day slavery”.

Data shows that Jamaican victims are predominantly unsuspectingly duped by family members and friends involved in human trafficking, and Chang argued that as a result of the victims’ close association with the traffickers, vigilance, particular at airports and seaports is required.

“The primary trafficker is always someone who knows the one to be trafficked and deceives them one way or the other. We must, therefore, sensitise and train across all sectors, utilising all formulas to curb the disturbing trend.

“Those of us who are involved in preventing it must become very sensitive to the issue. [We] have to begin to pay attention very closely to what is happening, especially at our ports of entry and exit,” said Chang as he addressed the second staging of the digital anti-human trafficking course, held at Jewel Grande, Montego Bay Resort and Spa, on Friday.

Chang pointed out that trafficking in persons (TIP) is a lucrative crime that has no boundaries and “has no regard for the rights or lives of individuals, and preys on the most vulnerable in society.

“It’s low keyed but it earns huge amounts of money because apparently those who are involved in the various aspects of trafficking will pay huge money, and oftentimes they are very wealthy,” said Chang.

“This modern-day slavery is one of the fastest-growing forms of international crime and is estimated to be among the most profitable crimes in the world. As a matter of fact, the International Labour Organization report of 2024 estimates that global trafficking in persons generates approximately $236 billion in the exploitation, abuse, and murder of children and women in particular. It’s a tragedy of global proportions,” added Chang, who is also the country’s deputy prime minister.

He announced that as the Government continues to engage in “the relentless battle to disrupt this atrocious, criminal activity”, the Ministry of National Security is now developing a National Trafficking in Persons Policy.

“The policy will supplement the existing Trafficking in Persons (Prevention, Suppression and Punishment) Amendment Act 2021 and will provide a comprehensive plan for TIP activities,” he said.

“The implementation of the TIP policy reaffirms the Government’s commitment to reinforcing strategies that aid in the fight against human trafficking. The policy places at the forefront a national plan of action that identifies human trafficking as a risk to our most vulnerable people,” declared Chang.

The digital anti-human trafficking course was launched in the Corporate Area on January 10.

It provides certification for participants and was developed by the Office of the National Rapporteur on Trafficking in Persons.

Dubbed ‘Heightening Awareness to Combat Human Trafficking’, the course has three modules designed to further heighten awareness among Jamaicans at all levels of society about the signs and dangers of trafficking in persons while supplying critical information about key responders.

Chang applauded the organisers for the structure of the course.

“The digital anti-human trafficking course will attract the attention of our youngsters. They’re innately digital. It’s obviously a course for the digital generation, but we can use it, access it, and learn to be more sensitive and aware of the risk faced and challenges,” said Chang.

In the meantime, National Rapporteur on Trafficking in Persons Diahann Gordon Harrison described the course as an open-access initiative designed to educate members of the public on recognising and responding to human trafficking.

“There are steps that you can take that are simple and safe and that will not expose you to anyone harmful. These steps are effective in boosting the preventative measures,”said Gordon Harrison.