Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1697641918099.pdf (Antigua and Barbuda)
Antigua & Trafficking in Persons (Prevention) Committee Barbuda Human Trafficking is real; let’s fight it tooth and nail.
Antigua and Barbuda Trafficking in Persons Prevention Annual Report 2017 TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS REPORT DECEMBER 2017 i | P a g e Antigua and Barbuda Trafficking in Persons Prevention Annual Report 2017 Contents Abbreviations ............................................................................................................. iii Definitions.................................................................................................................. iv Message from the Minister ........................................................................................ v Message from the Chairwoman ................................................................................. vi Introduction ................................................................................................................ 1 Aim & Structure ........................................................................................................... 3 The Operation Process.
................................................................................................ 4 Investigations .............................................................................................................. 6 Protection and Prosecution .......................................................................................... 7 Intelligence Support and Trends .................................................................................... 8 Typology ................................................................................................................... 13 Education Task Force Overview ................................................................................... 14 Education Task Force Activities ................................................................................... 15 2017 in Pictures ………………………………………………………………………………………………………..22 Conclusion ................................................................................................................ 25 ii | P a g e Antigua and Barbuda Trafficking in Persons Prevention Annual Report 2017 Abbreviations ABAS ABC ABDF Antigua and Barbuda Airport Security Antigua and Barbuda Customs and Excise Department Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force ABDF CG Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force Coast Guard CTF DOI DGA EMS ETF FSS Cases Task Force Department of Immigration Directorate of Gender Affairs Emergency Medical Services Education Task Force Family and Social Services MOH Ministry of Health MOPS&L Ministry of Public Safety and Labour NGO ONDCP PSE RPFAB TIPPC Non-Governmental Organization Office of National Drug and Money Laundering Control Policy Public Service Entities Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda Trafficking in Persons Prevention Committee iii | P a g e Antigua and Barbuda Trafficking in Persons Prevention Annual Report 2017 Definitions Recruiting Transport Transfer Harbouring Receiving Threat Menace Force Coercion Abduction Fraud The act or attempt to acquire the services of (a person) for an employer To carry, move, or convey from one place to another To be moved from one place to another To house or contain To take into one's possession A declaration of an intention or determination to inflict punishment, injury, etc., in retaliation for, or conditionally upon, some action or course A person or thing that is likely to cause harm Strength or power exerted upon an object; physical coercion; or violence To compel by force, intimidation, or authority, especially without regard for individual desire or volition The illegal carrying or enticing away of a person, especially by interfering with a relationship, as the taking of a child from its parent Deceit, trickery, sharp practice, or breach of confidence, perpetrated for profit or to gain some unfair or dishonest advantage Deception To mislead by a false appearance or statement; delude Abuse of power Giving or receiving of payment or benefits to achieve the consent of a person having control over another person Exploitation Treating someone unfairly in order to benefit from their work *Definitions from the Trafficking in Persons (Prevention) Act 2010. iv | P a g e Antigua and Barbuda Trafficking in Persons Prevention Annual Report 2017 Message from the Minister Recently, the international press has reported the appalling treatment of refugees, from various African countries, who are allegedly being bought and sold.
As a Government, we strongly condemn this type of “modern day slavery” as well as any other activity related to the trafficking of human beings.

Here in Antigua and Barbuda, the Trafficking of Persons (Prevention) Committee continues to work assiduously to not only stomp out human trafficking, but to educate and build awareness among the population, so that such atrocities do not take root within our fair nation.
In 2010, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda passed the Trafficking in Persons (Prevention) Act.

That act made it an offense for any person to participate in any activity related to human trafficking.

The Ministry of Legal Affairs, Public Safety and Labour continues to shape the country’s capacity and supportive mechanisms to fight human trafficking.
It works to support investigative, educational and awareness efforts of the Trafficking in Persons (Prevention Committee) in order to monitor, prevent and combat trafficking of persons.

Understanding that persons often confuse human trafficking with prostitution and migrant smuggling, Antigua and Barbuda continues to engage in activities to raise awareness and to educate persons on the differences.

Human Trafficking, while not a prevalent issue in Antigua and Barbuda, must not be overlooked.
Persons should be vigilant as traffickers are not always strangers, but often a person who may be known to you.

Trafficking usually commences with a great “offer of opportunity,” an offer of a job or any opportunity that may sound “too good to be true.” I caution all of you to be aware of, and attentive to these types of schemes.

Hon.
Hon.

Steadroy Benjamin Minister of Legal Affairs, Public Safety & Labour v | P a g e Antigua and Barbuda Trafficking in Persons Prevention Annual Report 2017 Message from the Chairperson As Chairperson of the Trafficking in Persons (Prevention) Committee (TIPPC), I wish to applaud the work of the Committee, along with the Education and Cases Task Forces.

We are all committed to stamping out the scourge of human trafficking in Antigua and Barbuda.

2017 has been a very productive year.


We have increased our education initiatives as we seek to expose the wider populace of Antigua and Barbuda to the fact that modern day slavery exists and anyone can fall victim to predatory recruiters.

Work is already in progress to extend our awareness training to persons involved in the health care, guest services and labour relations sectors.

Target audiences will include taxi drivers, trade unions and domestic workers.
To augment the signage already in place at our ports of entry and strategic government offices, a number of billboards and other signs will be placed around the country as part of our awareness drive.

We are pleased that during the year 2017, we were able to establish and staff the Human Trafficking (Prevention) Secretariat, which now serves as the TIP coordinating entity.

The Secretariat also provides support to the Education and Cases Task Forces.
We will continue the work to further strengthen the Secretariat and enhance its functions.

The Committee is and will continue to be committed to eradicating this crime against humanity from Antigua and Barbuda.

It is also noteworthy that the 2107 TIP report will be the first to be published and be made freely available.
Mrs. Stacey Gregg-Paige Chairperson Trafficking in Persons (Prevention) Committee vi | P a g e Antigua and Barbuda Trafficking in Persons Prevention Annual Report 2017 Executive Summary The Trafficking in Persons (Prevention) Committee was established under the Trafficking in Persons (Prevention) Act of 2010.

Section 11 of the Act gives the Committee the authority to establish such Task Forces as it deems necessary to assist in the performance of its function and exercise of its power under the Act.
Two Task Forces have been established under the Act:  Cases/Investigation Task Force  Education Task Force The Committee is made up of a wide cross-section of members including representatives from the Antigua and Barbuda Customs and Excise Division, the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force Coast Guard, the Department of Immigration, the Office of National Drug and Money Laundering Control Policy, the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda, the Directorate of Gender Affairs, the Family and Social Services Division and Civil Society.
Each representative must hold an executive position in their respective organization which empowers them to make decisions and implement policies within that organization.

The Cases Task Force comprises a cross section of law enforcement and other social welfare-related government personnel.

It is structured around a victim-centred approach, governed by the three (3) P’s of Human Trafficking - Prevention, Protection, and Prosecution.
The Task Force is directly responsible for the three (3) R’s of Justice to Human Trafficking Victims - Rescue, Rehabilitation and Reintegration - which falls under the umbrella of the Protection and Prosecution elements.

Recent changes to the leadership and composition of the Cases Task Force have enhanced its resources and ability to conduct more surveillances, investigations and interviews.
1 | P a g e Antigua and Barbuda Trafficking in Persons Prevention Annual Report 2017 The Education Task Force includes members from various government and private sector entities.

The Task Force’s main mandate is to educate the populace of Antigua and Barbuda on human trafficking.

In 2017, the Education Task Force with the support of the Committee and private sector partners, executed a successful week of activities.
The event focused on interacting with the public, establishing partnerships and showcasing the importance of working together to eradicate human trafficking.

Awareness billboards and posters are displayed in government offices, at ports of entry and other areas across the island.
A significant achievement of the Trafficking in Persons (Prevention) Committee, Secretariat and Task Forces is the production of a targeted public service announcement (PSA) which is aired on the local television station and various social media platforms.

Acknowledging that education is a key element in combating and preventing human trafficking, these series of events will be ongoing.

On August 1st, 2017, the Trafficking in Persons (Prevention) Secretariat was established.
The Secretariat is attached to the Trafficking in Persons (Prevention) Committee (TIPPC) and was established by agreement of, and under direction of the Trafficking in Persons (Prevention) Committee.

It is responsible for providing administrative, planning and implementation support to the Committee and Task Forces, in order to assist the stakeholders in achieving the purpose and objectives set out in the Trafficking in Persons (Prevention) Act 2015.
The Secretariat is equipped with a full-time Administrative Assistant and a Victim Care and Support Officer.

A medical consultant is also available on call to provide victim care.

Additionally, a Senior Accountant, a Registrar and a Communications Officer from within the Ministry of Public Safety and Labour form part of the Secretariat to better support the Committee and Task Forces in its endeavors.
Human Trafficking crimes are hideous crimes against humanity and the act itself is considered to be modern day slavery.

Within our region, we have been able to identify Trafficking in Persons offences such as: - 1.

Debt Bondage; 2.

Sex Trafficking and Prostitution; and 3.

Exploited Child Labour.


2 | P a g e Antigua and Barbuda Trafficking in Persons Prevention Annual Report 2017 Aim of Report The aim of this report is to bring clarity to the phenomenon of Human Trafficking and sensitise our partners and stakeholders, as to the work done by the Committee, Secretariat and Task Forces during 2017.

Structure The structure of the Committee and its powers are laid out in sections 7 and 8, of the Trafficking in Persons (Prevention) Act 2010.
The powers pertaining to the establishment of Task Forces are laid out in section 11 of the aforementioned Act.

Figure 1: Structure of the Trafficking in Persons (Prevention) Committee, its Task Forces and Secretariat.

3 | P a g e Antigua and Barbuda Trafficking in Persons Prevention Annual Report 2017 The operation process The People Government Figure 2: The Operational Planning Framework The operations of the Cases Task Force are based on a unified approach and guided by the directives of the Committee.
The uniqueness of the team and the construction of the Committee allows the team to collaborate with the stakeholders, partners and most importantly, the people.

The directives of the Task Force are grounded in law and are guided by the legal fraternity.

In 2017, several partnerships and alliances were formed, all geared towards the safety and care of victims.

The Committee was supported by various private businesses, Ministers of Government, NGO’s and regional counterparts.
The Cases Task Force has also collaborated with a number of stakeholders, including the Directorate of Gender Affairs, the Family and Social Services Division, the AIDS Secretariat and Caribbean Airlines.

The dedication and commitment of the various partners and sponsors have created possibilities for the Task Force to operate more efficiently.

The Committee has also proudly partnered with IOM Jamaica and the Jamaica Constabulary Force.
Both were instrumental in locating a previously trafficked victim who had returned to Jamaica.

They also provided guidance as we sought to strengthen our ability to respond to human trafficking incidents.
In 2017, a large percentage of the Committee’s expenditure was consumed by educational activities, namely, the purchase of promotional items, establishment of outreach programmes, production of a PSA for television and continuous rotation on local TV, facilitating workshops/meetings, as well as our week of awareness activities.

A significant portion was also spent on investigations and victim care.
4 | P a g e Antigua and Barbuda Trafficking in Persons Prevention Annual Report 2017 Training During the report period, the Committee and Task Force members continued their endeavors to raise awareness and educate the public about human trafficking.

Frontline officers from the Immigration Department, Labour Department and a number of media professionals, attended a one-day workshop where they were exposed to material aimed at raising awareness of human trafficking, its detection and prevention.
In July, the Education Task Force conducted a Counter Human Trafficking Training for the general staff of the Ministry.

Additionally, fifty percent (50%) of the Cases Task Force members received updated training in the identification and investigation of human trafficking as well as operational planning for rescue operations.

Vehicles and equipment The capabilities of the Cases Task Force were further enhanced by the issue of a laptop computer, stationery, and the use of a vehicle.
The Trafficking in Persons (Prevention) Committee 2017 budget was productive in the delivery of promotional items, educational pamphlets, banners and signs displaying awareness messages, and the public service announcement aired continuously on local television network and various social media platforms.
Cooperation During the year in review, the Cases Task Force collaborated with agencies and departments such as the Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority – Airport Security (ABAS), the Antigua and Barbuda Customs and Excise Department (ABC), the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF), the Department of Immigration (DOI), Caribbean Airlines, the Directorate of Gender Affairs (DGA), the Emergency Medical Services (EMS), the Family and Social Services Unit (FSS), the Ministry of Health (MOH), the Ministry of Public Safety and Labour (MPS&L), Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO’s), the Office of National Drug and Money Laundering Control Policy (ONDCP), Public Sector Entities (PSE), International Organization for Migrants (IOM), Jamaica Constabulary Force and the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda (RPFAB).
5 | P a g e Antigua and Barbuda Trafficking in Persons Prevention Annual Report 2017 13% 4% 10% 6% 14% 6% 18% 8% 4% 8% 9% ABAS ABC ABDF DOI DGA EMS FSS MOH MPS&L NGO ONDCP PSE Figure 3: Joint collaboration between agencies, departments and NGO’s.

Investigations During 2017, the mission of the Cases Task Force was to enhance interviewing, surveillance and reporting techniques.

All reports and suspicious activities were investigated and recorded by the Cases Task Force.
The cases were evaluated by the members of the Cases Task Force.

Investigations that could not be clearly deemed human trafficking were recommended to the relevant authorities and follow-ups were done by the Task Force members.

There were seven (7) matters reported to the Cases Task Force during the year 2017.

All seven (7) matters involved females and exhibited some resemblance to human trafficking.

However, only three (3) of the matters were TIP related.

Investigation into these matters is ongoing.


6 | P a g e Antigua and Barbuda Trafficking in Persons Prevention Annual Report 2017 Reports received for 2017 8 6 4 2 0 Adult Child TIP Case Other Figure 4: Figure shows the amount of reports made to the TIPPC for 2017, the age category and their status.

Protection Protection, care and support were given to one (1) person during the year 2017.

The individual in question was recruited as a bartender.
However, upon arrival in Antigua and Barbuda, the individual was placed into debt bondage and attempts were made to force the unnamed into prostitution.

The victim confided in a friend and was then taken to a police officer to make a report.

The friend settled the outstanding balance on the plane ticket allowing the victim to leave the establishment.
The matter was reported to the TIPPC and the victim, wanting only to return home, was cared for and subsequently repatriated after certain measures were put in place.

The Cases Task Force is still in communication with the victim and provides moral and other means of support, as needed.

Prosecution There is one (1) TIP matter before the court involving two (2) defendants who were charged in December of 2016.

Due to the seriousness of the offence, the case is to be heard in the High Court.
The committal proceedings have been completed and the case sent to the High Court.

It is anticipated that this matter will be heard during the 2018 Assizes.

The outstanding matter regarding alleged misconduct of a police officer during 2015 is ongoing.

The act, though not considered criminal in nature, was a breach of a Police Force Standing Order, and as such was referred to the Office of Professional Standards within the Police Force.
Indications are that a hearing is expected within the first quarter of 2018.

7 | P a g e Antigua and Barbuda Trafficking in Persons Prevention Annual Report 2017 Intelligence Support and Trends From intelligence received and the analysis of data, the Cases Task Force has been able to create a recruitment profile used by the traffickers.

This profile suggests that the young and impressionable, or young single mothers with heavy dependency – young children, are being targeted for trafficking.
Young and Impressionable Recruiters are employed by traffickers to return to their respective home communities as vacationers to spin a tale of grandeur and riches.

During the recruitment process, the recruiters wear “name brand clothes” and live the life that every impressionable girl prefers.
The impressionable girls, learning that the vacationers once resided in that very community or a neighboring one, is enticed by these vacationers with a story of rags-to-riches, and so enquire about the possibility of employment opportunities abroad Then, they are given a telephone number to make contact with someone that can better guide them.
Once that call has been made, the new recruits are asked to send “erotic” pictures for audition purposes and told that if selected, tickets would be purchased for them to travel to one (1) of four (4) islands1 in the Caribbean.

The new recruits are required to pay a fee2 for this service and once selected, they are given a telephone number for the potential employer.

All arrangements are made and they are told that it is a requirement to have US$3003 on their person when traveling.
If they do not have the money, then arrangements are made for them to be loaned the money to show and it is handed over as soon as the recruits arrive at their destination.

They are kept in check by the debt owed and the “erotic” pictures they had submitted.

1 Intelligence suggests that the islands in question are Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, and Curacao.

2 Analysis shows that at present, the fee is JA$6000 for Jamaicans.
3 This money is referred to as the “passing fee” – money to show Immigration that you have the means to support yourself.

8 | P a g e Antigua and Barbuda Trafficking in Persons Prevention Annual Report 2017 Single mothers with heavy dependency Recruiters single out single mothers who have young children or elderly family members that depend heavily on them financially.

They are approached and told of easy pickings and the possibilities of making at least US$1004 per night.
A story is then spun of a national of their respective country who has made it big in Antigua & Barbuda, and who now owns clubs, bars, restaurants and even a mall.

The story teller posits that it would be a great opportunity to travel, make money and better their present circumstances, and indicates that the business owner is looking to hire good talent in the form of dancers, bartenders, waitresses and hosts for her establishments.
The story teller suggests that accommodations are provided and work is five (5) days per week, which would give you time for yourself, your family, and provide the means for you to support your dependents.

Soon to be victims are then told that airfare can be provided if they cannot afford it, and that they can repay that debt in no time from all the money they will be making.

Some are asked for pictures and others are asked personal family questions.
However, once they arrive, they are placed in debt bondage and forced into sexual servitude to repay the ticket money as well as to pay rent and other expenses.

More pictures are taken and threats of disclosure to immediate family members are made.

The fear of shame and failure keeps them in line.

Red Flags There are a number of simple indicators that could alert you to incidents of human trafficking.

Such situations are rarely ever the same.


In some cases, indicators may be present, but upon further investigation, the matter may turn out to be that of another nature.

The indicators have been broken down and directed towards two (2) distinct groups - the everyday citizen and financial institutions.

This list is not exhaustive, as there are many more indicators.

However, we present the following: - 4 The current exchange rate in Jamaica of US $1 is JA$ 126.52. www.xe.com › XE Currency Charts.
9 | P a g e Antigua and Barbuda Trafficking in Persons Prevention Annual Report 2017 Ordinary Citizens ADULTS Adults who have been trafficked may:  Appear malnourished  Show signs of physical injuries and abuse  Avoid eye contact, social interaction, and figures of authority/law enforcement  Seem to adhere to scripted or rehearsed responses in social interaction  Lack official identification documents  Appear destitute/lacking personal possessions  Be unable to leave their work environment  Show signs that their movements are being controlled  Show fear or anxiety  Suffer injuries that appear to be the result of an assault  Be distrustful of the authorities  Be afraid of revealing their immigration status  Not be in possession of their passports or other travel or identity documents, as those documents are being held by someone else  Have a false identity or travel documents  Not know their home or work address  Allow others to speak for them when addressed directly  Act as if they were instructed by someone else  Be forced to work under certain conditions  Receive little or no payment  Have no access to their earnings  Work excessively long hours over long periods  Not have any days off  Live in poor or substandard accommodations  Have limited or no social interaction  Be unable to communicate freely with others 10 | P a g e Antigua and Barbuda Trafficking in Persons Prevention Annual Report 2017 CHILDREN Children who have been trafficked may:  Have no access to their parents or guardians  Look intimidated and behave in a way that does not correspond with behaviour typical of children their age  Have no friends of their own age outside of work  Have no access to education  Have no time for playing  Eat apart from other members of the “family"  Be engaged in work that is not suitable for children  Travel in groups with persons who are not relatives The following might also indicate that children have been trafficked:  The presence of child-sized clothing typically worn for doing
 manual or sex work  The presence of toys, beds and children's clothing in inappropriate places such as brothels and factories DOMESTIC SERVITUDE People who have been trafficked for the purpose of domestic servitude may:  Live with a family  Not eat with the rest of the family  Have no private space  Sleep in a shared or inappropriate space  Never or rarely leave the house for social reasons  Never leave the house without their employer  Be given only leftovers to eat  Be subjected to insults, abuse, threats or violence 11 | P a g e Antigua and Barbuda Trafficking in Persons Prevention Annual Report 2017 Financial Institutions  High volume of deposits funnelled through various accounts and immediately withdrawn  Ongoing ATM/credit card transactions in even amounts between 10 pm and 6 am  Constant transfer of same amount of money to same individuals  Sudden activity changes in business accounts outside of the customer’s expected profile  Payment of bills strictly by cash instead of personal checks or credit cards  Declaration of greater profits – increase in income while no increase in expenditures  Steady profitability even in a down turn economy  Little or no financial paper trail  Structured cash deposits at multiple banks 12 | P a g e Antigua and Barbuda Trafficking in Persons Prevention Annual Report 2017 Typology Trafficking in Women as Night Club Entertainers and for Sexual Exploitation.
The owner of a “Night Club” uses recruiters (Method) to entice young women, (generally non-nationals) to perform in the night club with offers of airfare, accommodation, free meals and a nightly wage.

Upon travel their arrival, documents are held by the traffickers.

The women are then assigned entertainment duties at the “Night Club” and informed that they are contribute to required towards the reimbursement of their airfare, and the cost of their accommodation and meals.
Not having the means to meet these contributions, the women are encouraged and effectively coerced (Means) into prostitution for the financial benefit (Purpose) of the club owner.

Forced to 13 | P a g e Antigua and Barbuda Trafficking in Persons Prevention Annual Report 2017 Education Task Force Overview The Education Task Force experienced a very challenging but rewarding 2017 calendar year.
Despite the challenges, meetings were held monthly, coupled with regular WhatsApp group chats, to plan and execute activities that were geared toward raising awareness among the populace.

The Education Task Force members have worked tirelessly and have demonstrated commitment to all tasks.

The establishment of the TIPPC Secretariat in mid-2017 was a welcomed accomplishment by the Committee.
Since its inception, the Secretariat has been instrumental in coordinating many of the activities held by the Education Task Force.

The Secretariat collaborated efficiently with the Task Force to execute administrative duties and coordinate the awareness activities.

For the period January - December 2018, it is the intention of the Task Force to continue its collaboration with the Government departments and other agencies to strengthen and educate the public about human trafficking and areas of the law.
The Education Task Force will also continue its educational activities within schools and other various learning institutions within our twin island state.

Additionally, it will improve on such activities with the inclusion of bilingual presentations and paraphernalia.

The youth is our future, and they play a vital role in this campaign.
With the knowledge of what human trafficking is and various indicators of the hideous crime, the Task Force hopes to engage the youth with presentations to increase their awareness of human trafficking.

The Education Task Force also intends, with the continuing support from Cases Task Force and the Secretariat, to conduct training sessions with members of the tourism and hospitality sectors, the taxi associations, security companies, airport workers, domestic workers and trade unions.
14 | P a g e Antigua and Barbuda Trafficking in Persons Prevention Annual Report 2017 Education Task Force Activities Name of Event Date Venue Time Target Audience Audience Barbuda 17/05/17 Codrington Barbuda 3/07/17 ABS Television Studio 20:30 ABS viewing audience Labour Matters Television Show Public Safety Sensitization 6/07/17 Public Safety Conference Room Sean Bird Radio Show 11/07/17 ZDK Radio TIP Workshop for Frontline Officers 18/07/17 Multipurpose Centre 10:00 14:00 08:30- 16:30 Staff at Ministry of Public Safety HQ ZDK broadcasting audience Immigration Officers, Labour Inspectors, Media Workers Rotary Club Sundown Members 20 30 21 12 Rotary Club Sundown 20/07/17 Hospitality Training Centre 19:00 Potters Moravian Church Presentation 24/07/17 Potters Moravian Church 19:30 Residents of Barbuda School Presentation 26/09/17 Wesleyan Jr Academy 8:30am Grade 5 & 6 School Presentation School Presentation Good Morning Antigua & Barbuda Crusader Radio Connecting with Dave Lester Payne Media Blitz 26/09/17 Villa Primary 26/09/17 ABICE 10am 8am Grade 5 & 6 Teen and young adults 80 212 27/09/17 ABS Television Studio 8:30am Viewing Audience 27/09/17 Crusader Radio Studio 27/09/17 Observer Media Group 27/09/17 Vybz FM 9am Listening Audience Citizens of Antigua and Barbuda 9:15am Listeners of Vybz Fm 2pm Media Blitz 28/09/17 English Harbour Radio 8:30am Awareness Walk 30/09/17 Through St. Johns City 7am Listening Audience General Public & ABS viewers Labour Matters Television Show Community Outreach 3/10/17 Community Outreach 28/01/18 2/10/17 ABS Television Studio 8pm Viewing Audience Lower Ottos Beacon Light Church of Nazarene 10am Spanish Community 10am Church Members School Presentation 5/02/18 Bendals Primary School 9am School Population School Presentation 7/02/18 Antigua State College 10am Business Department School Presentation 8/02/18 Circle K Club (Kiwanis) School Presentation 15/02/18 Antigua State College 12:30 Antigua State College club members 10:30am A-Level Department School Presentation 16/02/18 Nursing
 School Training Presentation 20/02/18 01/03/18 Training Division Employer’s Federation 8am 9am 3 pm Nursing Students Government Workers Employers 15 | P a g e 70 120 150 15 100 52 18 7 Antigua and Barbuda Trafficking in Persons Prevention Annual Report 2017 Trafficking in Persons (Prevention) Committee and Task Force Members, Awareness Week 2017 - Church Service Trafficking In Persons (Prevention) Committee Awareness Week 2017 - Street Fair In Partnership with Gender Affairs, AIDS Secretariat and Family and Social Services 16 | P a g e Antigua and Barbuda Trafficking in Persons Prevention Annual Report 2017 17 | P a g e Antigua and Barbuda Trafficking in Persons Prevention Annual Report 2017 Trafficking in Persons Prevention Committee, Awareness Week 2017 - Awareness Walk through St. John’s Trafficking in Person Prevention Committee, Awareness Week 2017 – Media Blitz (Crusader Radio) 18 | P a g e Antigua and Barbuda Trafficking in Persons Prevention Annual Report 2017 Trafficking in Person Prevention Committee, Awareness Week 2017 - Media Blitz (English Harbour Radio) Education and Cases Task Force School Presentation, Awareness Week 2017 Schools Included (ABICE, Villa Primary, and Wesleyan Jr Academy) 19 | P a g e Antigua and Barbuda Trafficking in Persons Prevention Annual Report 2017 Awareness Week 2017 - Villa Primary School Presentation Ministry of Public Safety & Labour - Human Trafficking Workshop 20 | P a g e Antigua and Barbuda Trafficking in Persons Prevention Annual Report 2017 Human Trafficking Workshop for Frontline Officers (Immigration Officers, Labour Inspectors, Labour Employees, Media Workers, TIPPC Secretariat Member) 21 | P a g e Antigua and Barbuda Trafficking in Persons Prevention Annual Report 2017 Trafficking in Persons (Prevention) Committee Collaborating with Cultural Ambassadors 22 | P a g e Antigua and Barbuda Trafficking in Persons Prevention Annual Report 2017 Education Task Force Chairperson Mr. Emil Michael - Church Presentation
 during Awareness Week 2017.
23 | P a g e Antigua and Barbuda Trafficking in Persons Prevention Annual Report 2017 Trafficking in Persons (Prevention) Committee Pamphlet for 2017 24 | P a g e Antigua and Barbuda Trafficking in Persons Prevention Annual Report 2017 Conclusion There are five (5) agencies in Antigua and Barbuda that are tasked with the safety and protection of its borders and people.

These agencies are: - 1.

Antigua and Barbuda Customs and Excise; 2.

Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force Coast Guard; 3.


Department of Immigration; 4.

Office of National Drug and Money Laundering Control Policy; and the 5.

Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda.

Figure 5: Agencies with Law Enforcement Powers in Antigua and Barbuda All five (5) agencies are represented on the Trafficking in Persons (Prevention) Committee and three (3) of the five (5) are represented within the community of Certified Fraud Examiners.
An analysis of the phenomenon shows that, thus far, nationals of Jamaica and the Dominican Republic are the two (2) main groups that are being exploited.

Further, in every case that has been identified, either the recruiter or the trafficker came from the country where the victims were recruited.
25 | P a g e Antigua and Barbuda Trafficking in Persons Prevention Annual Report 2017 Through ongoing prevention efforts5, more and more persons are becoming aware of human trafficking, its indicators, and the methods6 used for communicating suspicions of human trafficking to the Trafficking in Persons (Prevention) Committee.

It has been noted that due to sufficient knowledge, persons tend to confuse the terms Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling.
The continuous education of our citizens, neighbours and friends, will allow us to change that perception.

While it is fair to say that Migrant Smuggling and Human Trafficking share similar traits, and a smuggled migrant can become a trafficked person, it is incorrect to categorize them as the same.

The Trafficking in Persons (Prevention) Committee has experienced some challenges during 2017 due to natural disasters.
Nevertheless, with the continuing support of its members, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda and the public, 2017’s activities were a major success.

The establishment and official launch of the Secretariat had been a goal of the Committee for several years.

Thus, its establishment has and will further help to improve data collection and assist members in various tasks.
The Committee and Task Forces can now access support from the two full time staff members and other associate members within the Trafficking in Persons (Prevention) Secretariat.

The Task Forces are equipped with persons who have the ability to carry out and exceed the basic functions mandated by the Committee and law.

The total expenditure regarding Trafficking in Persons (Prevention) for 2017 was three hundred thirty thousand, seventy-five dollars and seventy-four cents ($330,075.74).
Of this figure, approximately 32% went to personal emoluments (salaries & stipends) and 68% went to facilitating education and outreach work, including meetings, workshops, signage and awareness initiatives.

5 Training and sensitization efforts being conducted by the ETF and the Secretariat.

6 There is a referral process for such information.

Stakeholder desirous of conveying such information, reports it directly to the Secretariat.
Citizens desirous of conveying such information, can either report it to a law enforcement officer and it is communicated to the CFT via its agency representative.

26 | P a g e Antigua and Barbuda Trafficking in Persons Prevention Annual Report 2017 Edmund Burke theorized that "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."
The theory known as the bystander effect posits that, the greater the number of bystanders that observes an incident, the less likely it is that any one of them will help.

This may result from several factors, namely: - lack of cohesiveness due to difference in nationality, gender, sexual preference; indifference that is centered around not wanting to become involved or give evidence; and the transfer of responsibility where one assumes that someone else has taken action or will do so.
Nonetheless, Human Trafficking is everybody’s problem.

As we travel the world for vacation or education, remember that organ harvesting is also a form of human trafficking.

You or your loved one could be trafficked.

Don’t be a statistic.

This could happen to you.

If you see something, say something.

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