Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security and Peace, Ambassador Alison Stone Roofe, has called on Jamaicans to unite in the fight against human trafficking, stressing that public awareness must be matched by decisive action to protect the nation's most vulnerable citizens.
Speaking at the service at Saxthorpe Methodist Church in St. Andrew, on Sunday (July 26), Ambassador Stone Roofe highlighted the 2026 United Nations theme, “Trapped Behind the Scam: Exposing and Disrupting Human Trafficking.” The Permanent Secretary, who also serves as the Chairman of the National Taskforce Against Trafficking in Persons (NATFATIP), warned of the growing threat of traffickers luring victims with fake job offers before forcing them into online scamming operations and other forms of forced labour.
The Permanent Secretary also highlighted Jamaica's continued progress in combating trafficking in persons through stronger legislation, enhanced training for law enforcement and the judiciary, improved support services for survivors, and the work of NATFATIP, which has contributed to several successful convictions.
While acknowledging these advances, Ambassador Stone Roofe emphasised that government action alone is not enough.
“Laws alone do not save people. We need your prayers, your alertness and your voices. Let us resolve to protect the next boy, girl, woman, man, the graduate, the dreamer from being trapped behind the scam of human trafficking,” she urged, encouraging faith-based organizations and communities to play an active role in identifying and supporting victims of trafficking.
The NATFATIP Chair concluded by encouraging Jamaicans to treat survivors with compassion and dignity while remaining vigilant against traffickers, reminding citizens of the national anti-trafficking message: “Be Wise. Open Your Eyes. Spot Them. Stop Them. Report Them.”
Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Week is commemorated annually during the last week of July. This year's observance includes a Town Hall Meeting on World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, July 30, at 4:00 p.m. at Emancipation Park.