(MNS-JFK, 28 FEB. 2023): Taskforce members from the Trafficking in Persons (TIPs) Inter-Ministry Committee in collaboration with Church of God Bahamas, conducted a Women and Girls Seminar at the Lighthouse Church of God Church, Pinewood Gardens on Saturday 25th February 2023.  
Led by Chairperson, Assistant Superintendent of Police Indirah Belle, she was accompanied by her team members Raquel Munnings, Valarie Burrows, Camrhea Braynen and Eartha Charlow. The TIPS Inter-Ministry Committee is mandated by the Bahamas government to design and implement training awareness programs for the public and private residents to prevent Trafficking in Persons, and the protection and promotion of the rights of victims trafficking.    
Under the theme, “Building Resiliency against Trafficking in Persons”, participants were enlightened to identify the signs, consequences and prevention of Trafficking in Persons. Discussions were centered on the many facets of trafficking, which included Sexual Exploitation, Child Trafficking, Labour Trafficking, Domestic Servitude, Forced Marriage, Forced Criminality, Organ Harvesting and Withholding of Passport and Money.   
Aspects of the training also included the Trafficking in Persons Prevention and Suppression Act, Guidelines for the Prevention, Suppression and Punishment of Trafficking in Persons, The Bahamas - Trafficking in Persons Response Standard Operating Procedures, A Plan to Provide Assistance to Victims of Trafficking in Persons and their Accompanying Dependent Children and the United Nations Trafficking in Persons Protocol 2000.  
Pastor Eileen Johnson who addressed the group on the topic of Self Esteem, commended the group for the work they are doing in educating the general population on the consequences of the offense. She said that if we all considered ourselves royalty, we would be careful to conduct ourselves in a manner that is pleasing to God. Participants were encouraged to use the training to enhance prevention, protection and prosecution of Trafficking in Persons.

Trafficking in Persons Inter-Ministry Committee, along with participant during a Women and Girls Seminar at the Lighthouse Church of God Church, Pinewood Gardens on Saturday 25th February 2023. Also shown is Pastor Eileen Johnson. (Photo by Force Chief Petty Officer Jonathan Rolle)

 Pastor Eileen Johnson and Trafficking in Persons Task Force Committee member Valarie Burrows, during a Women and Girls Seminar at the Lighthouse Church of God Church, Pinewood Gardens on Saturday 25th February 2023. (Photo by Force Chief Petty Officer Jonathan Rolle)

Trafficking in Persons Chairperson, Assistant Superintendent of Police Indirah Belle, speaking with participant during a Women and Girls Seminar at the Lighthouse Church of God Church, Pinewood Gardens on Saturday 25th February 2023. (Photo by Force Chief Petty Officer Jonathan Rolle)

Trivia prize winners during the Women and Girls Seminar at the Lighthouse Church of God Church, Pinewood Gardens on Saturday 25th February 2023. (Photo by Force Chief Petty Officer Jonathan Rolle)

For further information please contact the Ministry of National Security Communications Office or email us: nationalsecurity@bahamas.gov.bs visit our website http://www.bahamas.gov.bs/nationalsecurity or follow us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MNSBahama