Matter of national concern

Responding to a question on this matter in the House of Representatives on Wednesday, Rowley said the Police Service takes these reports seriously and the Counter- Trafficking Unit looks at these matters if there are “international connections” involve.

He disclosed that joint sensitisation sessions are being held in various communities in the country to educate people about all the signs of human trafficking.

Rowley said while the Police Service has protocols regarding reports of missing persons, there are instances where action is taken less than 24 hours after a report is made.

The Prime Minister also disclosed the British government is assisting Government with a manpower audit of the Police Service. He said the British are also assisting in improving other aspects of the Police Service’s capabilities.

Rowley said reports that similar initiatives here and elsewhere in the region where unsuccessful, cannot be used as a barometer to determine success on this occasion. Later in the sitting, National Security Minister Edmund Dillon gave the assurance that there would be a heightened police presence in commercial shopping areas and city centres during the Christmasd period.