GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC – The Guyana government, on Wednesday, welcomed the United States Department of State 2025 Trafficking in Persons Report that placed the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country in Tier 1 as a result of the government fully meeting the Trafficking Victims Protection Act’s (TVPA) minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking.
“Guyana continues to demonstrate serious and sustained efforts to combat Trafficking in Persons,” said Home Affairs Minister, Oneidge Walrond, describing the Tier 1 ranking as evidence of the country’s “unwavering dedication and effective action in fighting human trafficking”.
She said that Guyana remains steadfast in its commitment to eradicating human trafficking within its borders and across the wider region.
She said that this commitment is amplified by the tireless efforts of members of the Ministerial Taskforce on Trafficking in Persons, non-governmental organizations, civil society stakeholders, and other partners.
“Our comprehensive approach includes safeguarding vulnerable populations, increasing training and awareness, intensifying spot inspections and anti-trafficking operations, and, through the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, providing robust support and protection to victims and survivors, pursuing relentless prosecution of offenders, and fostering strong partnerships both locally and internationally,” Walrond said.
The government said that the Tier 1 placement marks the ninth consecutive year that Guyana has demonstrated serious and sustained efforts to combat this insidious crime.
The US report also highlights several notable advancements in Guyana’s anti-trafficking framework, including an increased prosecution rate, the successful conviction of a sex trafficker with an ordered restitution payment, enhanced collaboration with foreign governments to investigate trafficking cases effectively, and increased funding for the protection and prevention efforts.
It further outlines 12 critical recommendations for Guyana to continue strengthening its anti-trafficking efforts.
These include increasing prosecutions and convictions, especially in cases involving child victims; eliminating recruitment fees charged to workers; expanding labour and spot inspections in sectors vulnerable to trafficking, such as mining and logging; enforcing restitution orders promptly; proactively screening vulnerable populations, including migrants, for signs of trafficking; and ensuring that convicted traffickers and any complicit officials face adequate penalties.
Walrond said Georgetown “is firmly committed to addressing these recommendations with urgency, deploying advanced policies, rigorous monitoring, and strengthened partnerships to disrupt trafficking networks and safeguard victims”.
and then 