Trafficking of Nigerians under scrutiny

Trafficking of Nigerians under scrutiny
Stabroek News news item. Wednesday 30 April 2008
http://www.stabroeknews.com/?p=2564

Immigration authorities here are to soon move against a ring involving the trafficking of Nigerians through Brazil, Home Affairs Minister, Clement Rohee announced on Monday.
Rohee told reporters at a press conference on Monday that he was concerned over the presence of illegals particularly Nigerians who are entering the country from Brazil and Venezuela and he has vowed that the law enforcement authorities will break up the ring. “Let me emphasise that as was the case with the Chinese ring, the government will spare no effort in tracking down and breaking up any local ring that is engaged in encouraging this illegal activity,” Rohee declared.
Last year law enforcement officials smashed an illegal migration ring involving scores of Chinese nationals who were issued with false Guyana visas to come here and settle.
A number of the Chinese nationals were subsequently deported. Government last year set up a ministerial task force to bolster the campaign against Trafficking in Persons (TIP). Rohee announced that the task force had been very active since its establishment and will soon be releasing its first Report. The Ministerial task force is working with Food for the Poor, Help and Shelter, government and other non-governmental organizations to educate the population about TIP. In relation to the trafficking of Guyanese nationals, Rohee said, “We are pleased with the co-operation and collaboration developed with the authorities in Trinidad and Tobago in addressing allegations of human trafficking of Guyanese nationals through a Trinidad and Tobago/Guyana network.” He said Guyana would continue to work with all neighbouring countries to address this trans-national crime.
The TIP Unit of the Human Services Ministry had conducted several awareness campaigns countrywide, particularly focusing on Amerindian communities which have been identified as the most vulnerable.
A number of Volunteer Social Workers have been trained to handle TIP reported cases.