The alleged victims are between ages of 20 and 30, and are citizens of Dominica, Brazil, Columbia and Venezuela. Four were in the country illegally and a similar number over stayed their time.

The victims, along with two alleged perpetrators whose names were given as Morcony De Jesus Souza Da Silva and Maria DeSocorro Nascimento Lages and others, were escorted by police officers to Georgetown where a proper investigation is expected to be conducted.

Of the 29 persons, 11 are likely to face charges and possible deportation, while the others will be assisting in the investigations.

The Platinum International Hotel, Bartica

          “I am Broomes and I will not miss a sweep,” the Minister said in reference to her name. She pointed out that the social protection ministry will be aggressively tackling human trafficking throughout the length and breadth of Guyana.

“It's a great feeling, I know that when I was honoured as a TIP hero I had taken an oath to work with government, civil society and individuals in bringing Guyana to a decent stage internationally…definitely, with the power invested in me these are some of the things I will take on. I have been there, I know what’s going on, and I know what to look for.” Minister Broomes emphasised.

The Minister explained that persons are now beating the borders and gaining entry into Guyana illegally. It was observed that this is a trend by persons from Dominica especially. The minister further indicated that the owner of the Platinum Hotel, is a flagged person and the GWMO has been monitoring his activities for a long time.

The alleged victims boarding  a boat at the Bartica Stelling for their journey to Georgetown

“…there are also persons from Baroombar in Georgetown up here now. We have noticed a shift in how it is running. We got information of his connection internationally and that also is proving right because for example, one of the young ladies arrived from Dominica yesterday,” the minister pointed out.

The alleged perpetrators also had the victims’ passports in their possession.  According to Minister Broomes, one of the alleged perpetrators who was charged with TIP and released on $1 M bail, was also held for questioning after she walked into the station with two of the girls' passport.

The Minister was also in contact with the Minister of Public Security, whom she said indicated that he wants a thorough investigation into the matter. “I’m pleased so far that the minister is on top of this, and has instructed a thorough investigation because we have lots of persons who are here illegally. One Brazilian was refused entry into Barbados and she returned here and she has an immigration officer number in her phone that she contacted," Minister Broomes noted.

One of the alleged perpetrators, Maria DeSocorro Nascimento Lages and others who will be assisting the police in their investigation

She said the aim is not to scare anyone, but rather to protect them and ensure they are in Guyana legally, not held against their will, and should have their passport in their possession.

This was the largest of such operations in Bartica and it demonstrates the new administration's commitment to work with stakeholders to eradicate TIP, not only in Bartica and Region Seven, but Guyana as a whole.

          She expressed gratitude to the officers of the Bartica police station for their vigilance, the GWMO which brought their experience to bear, and the TIP unit which assisted in successfully carrying out the operation.

          Meanwhile, Marina Charles, head of the TIP unit for the GWMO said that this is a big step for their organisation that has always indicated its willingness to work with the Government and other stakeholders to mitigate TIP.