Minister of State in the Ministry of National Security and Peace, the Hon. Juliet Cuthbert-Flynn, says Jamaica is making steady progress in the fight against human trafficking, with nine alleged traffickers arrested and charged over the last year as the country strengthens its efforts to disrupt trafficking networks and protect victims.
She attributed the country’s regionally recognised progress to stronger enforcement actions, increased prosecutions and a coordinated national response.
“Our agencies conducted 79 trafficking investigations last year, resulting in nine alleged traffickers being arrested and charged. These outcomes reflect the dedication of our law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, social service providers and international partners who continue to strengthen Jamaica's capacity to detect, investigate and disrupt trafficking networks,” Minister Cuthbert-Flynn said.
Addressing stakeholders at the Trafficking in Persons Town Hall 2026 held at Emancipation Park in Kingston on Thursday, July 30, under the theme, ‘Trapped Behind the Scam: Exposing and Disrupting Human Trafficking’, the Minister underscored Jamaica’s commitment to holding perpetrators accountable while safeguarding and protecting victims.
She further explained that the theme of this year's observance, reflects the growing reality that human trafficking is no longer limited to hidden spaces or conventional criminal enterprises.
“It has evolved alongside technology, becoming increasingly sophisticated, borderless and difficult to detect, even as the objective behind it stays the same: the exploitation of people for profit. As technology advances, so too must our awareness, our partnerships and our determination to ensure that no one is trapped behind the scam,” she pointed out.
Highlighting the changing nature of trafficking in persons, Minister Cuthbert-Flynn explained that traffickers are increasingly exploiting technology and deceptive recruitment practices to target vulnerable individuals.
“The Government of Jamaica regards trafficking in persons as not only a violation of human rights, but also a serious transnational organised crime. Trafficking networks operate across borders, exploit vulnerabilities, and take advantage of legitimate systems of migration, employment and economic opportunity.”
Against this backdrop, the Minister stressed the importance of public awareness, noting that with more than 15,000 Jamaicans participating in overseas employment programmes last year, it is essential that citizens are equipped with the information and tools needed to recognise warning signs, avoid exploitation and make safe, informed decisions.
“As our overseas employment programmes grow, our vigilance in protecting participants must grow with them. This is why Jamaica continues to invest in prevention initiatives, public education, victim protection, and collaboration with regional and international partners, so that survivors are met with support rather than suspicion,” added State Minister Cuthbert-Flynn.
She also noted that, globally, there has been a rise in trafficking for forced criminality, in which victims are enticed by fraudulent job offers and then compelled to engage in illegal activities, including online scams.
For his part, Minister of State in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS), Hon. Donovan Williams, encouraged citizens to verify local and international employment opportunities through the MLSS.
“The Ministry works to ensure that Jamaicans can access legitimate employment opportunities while reducing their vulnerability to exploitation and human trafficking,” he said.
Affirming the Ministry’s commitment to safeguarding workers, he noted that, as of July 2026, Jamaica had 85 licensed private employment agencies, with 69 authorised to place workers overseas and 16 licensed for local placements.
He further cautioned prospective workers to exercise diligence whenever they are asked to pay unexplained recruitment fees and provide personal sensitive data through unofficial channels.
According to the Planning Institute of Jamaica's Economic and Social Survey Jamaica 2025, twelve (12) human trafficking cases were advanced through the courts, reflecting continued progress in holding traffickers accountable and ensuring that victims receive the protection, support and justice they deserve.
The Ministry of National Security and Peace remains firm in its thrust to create a Jamaica where citizen can dream without fear, communities can thrive in peace and where hope is greater than fear.