A WORD OF WARNING TO PARENTS AND GUARDIANS

There is a real danger that your child could be at risk for being a victim of a human Trafficker: either forced or lured into the control of evil persons who take him or her far from home to exploit them in the sex trade, for forced labour, or for removal of body organs.

This modern day form of slavery, known as Trafficking in Persons or Trafficking in Children, has become one of the fastest growing and most lucrative criminal activities in the world, and that includes our own Caribbean region. Although the exact numbers of cases of trafficking are still being investigated, it is known that many young people in Jamaica are lured into the sex trade.

Often young girls are promised jobs in clubs or bars, and then forced into prostitution. At risk children, such as those living on the streets, especially boys, are at extremely great risk of trafficking.

Don't let your beloved youngster fall into the clutches of these evil people. Be extra vigilant: check up on where your children play and "hang out", who their friends are, and what type of activities they usually take part in before and after school and on weekends and holidays.

Warn your children not to talk to strangers, never to get into a car with someone they do not know, or do not trust, and encourage them to aim for a decent and honest career. Most of all, help them to develop positive attitudes about themselves, and to distrust the "get rich quick" temptations that are often used to lure young people into the clutches of the Traffickers.