The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS) in commemorating the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons (TIP) 2025, reflects not only on the global challenge of human trafficking, but also on its specific manifestations and consequences within the Caribbean.

Lt. Col. Michael Jones, Executive Director, CARICOM IMPACS stated that “Across our diverse island and coastal nations, the crime of trafficking in persons continues to threaten the safety, dignity and freedom of our people. From women lured with false promises of employment, to children exploited under the guise of cultural tradition, to men deceived into forced labour, our Region is not untouched”. However, despite this, he assured that CARICOM IMPACS’ regional resolve remains unwavering in combatting this scourge.

Between 2022 and 2025, CARICOM IMPACS’ commitment to counter trafficking in persons has yielded profound and measurable progress. A total of 949 individuals across CARICOM and Latin American countries have participated in virtual training initiatives, while 76 have benefited from in-depth, in-country instruction. “These are not mere statistics, they reflect a growing cadre of trained professionals, systems that are made more resilient and communities that are better prepared to respond with compassion and precision”, explained Col. Jones.

Guided by the CARICOM Guidance Document on Trafficking in Persons (2023), CARICOM IMPACS continued to place renewed emphasis over the past year on building national and regional capacity, raising awareness and fostering a victim-centred approach.

“Through a deliberate blend of technical support and in-country training, we have collaborated closely with TIP Units and frontline officers to enhance case detection, investigative methodologies and survivor care. Each engagement was carefully tailored to reflect the distinct cultural and operational realities of each Member State, ensuring relevance, sustainability, and impact”, said Col. Jones.

Looking forward, CARICOM IMPACS will convene a meeting of the Heads of TIP Units across CARICOM Member States. This meeting will lay the foundation for establishing a Regional TIP Committee, a strategic platform to coordinate regional approaches, develop shared standards and promote legal harmonisation in keeping with international and regional obligations.

The remainder of 2025 will see the continuation of virtual training programmes, in-country capacity-building programmess, and technical assistance missions with CARICOM countries, building a cadre of specialised officers equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to confront this evolving threat.

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