The Tribune

BAHAMIAN law enforcement and national security officials are continuing to put the necessary mechanisms in place to ensure that human smuggling operations do not go unpunished and/or unnoticed in The Bahamas, National Security Minister "Tommy" Turnquest said Friday.

Mr Turnquest said women and girls are "disproportionately represented" among the millions of persons estimated to be victims of international human smuggling operations - an industry that continues to expand around the world and is estimated to generate profits in the "billions of dollars".

Mr Turnquest said while no victim of trafficking in persons has been identified or has come forward in The Bahamas "to date", law enforcement and national security officials are putting in place the necessary mechanisms designed to prosecute persons guilty of committing those crimes when they are found.

The National Security Minister underscored one of the differences between human smuggling - or trafficking in persons and illegal immigration. He said while trafficking in persons involves - among other things - force or coercion and fraud, migrant smuggling is of a more voluntary nature.

"Even as we take action to meet our trafficking in persons obligations, we are mindful of the compelling challenges we face in the area," Mr Turnquest said.

Addressing a three-day Trafficking in Persons Workshop conducted by the United States Embassy, Nassau, Mr Turnquest said The Bahamas has traditionally been, and continues to be, a target for significant illegal immigration.

"We are mindful, however, that in significant migratory flows there may very well be actual or potential victims of trafficking in persons and we do not underestimate this possibility," Mr Turnquest added.

"To cause people to work under inhumane conditions, in fear, and without due compensation is a fundamental violation of human rights. The destructive effects on the lives of victims of human trafficking are self evident," Mr Turnquest added.

The National Security Minister said the Government of The Bahamas has undertaken a "whole system" approach to training and capacity building within the country's law enforcement, national security and public service sectors, in addition to non-governmental agencies and organisations.

"The Government of The Bahamas is cognisant that this is an area in which we can work in sealed compartments. Our approach is intended to make certain that officials of concerned ministries and agencies, and representatives of civil society, appreciate the full range of activities involved in successfully preventing, suppressing and punishing persons involved (in the business) of trafficking in persons.

"Importantly, it is to make certain that all are aware of the role that they must play in relation to the other so that our anti-trafficking initiatives are coherent and have the desired impact."

Additionally, he said, Cabinet established an Inter-Ministry of Trafficking in Persons in 2011. Mr Turnquest said the committee continues to make "good progress" in their mandate to recommend action to strengthen the country's anti-trafficking initiatives.

"Just two days ago, the TIP Committee - together with the Women's Advisory Council and the Bureau of Women's Affairs of the Ministry of Labour and Social Development held a Public Forum on trafficking in Persons to raise awareness of this critical matter," Mr Turnquest added.