Cops rescue 16 suspected trafficking victims

Sixteen young women, who are suspected to be human trafficking victims, were rescued from a house on David Street, Kitty last Tuesday, according to Coordinator of the Countering Trafficking in Persons Unit at the Ministry of Social Protection Tanisha Williams-Corbin.

The group, comprising 14 Venezuelans, one Cuban and a Dominican, was rescued by police, who raided the house.

A Department of Public Information release quoted Williams-Corbin as saying that the rescued foreign nationals are between the ages of 15 and 35. She further noted that eight are currently under protective care and are assisting with investigations of alleged human trafficking.

Williams-Corbin is reported as saying that in addition to offering the young women psychosocial support, the ministry is also collaborating with the Department of Citizenship to ensure measures are in place to allow them to extend their stay in Guyana so as to further assist with the investigation.

Williams-Corbin said this is in keeping with the Combating of Trafficking In Persons Act, which mandates that “victims who cooperate with the investigation or any other part of the crime of trafficking are to be extended the opportunity to extend their time in Guyana if they want.”

Meanwhile, a security guard and four other persons were arrested for questioning in connection with the case.