Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09PORTOFSPAIN33
2009-01-27 12:20:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Port Of Spain
Cable title:
JOINT TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS WORKSHOP FOR T&T AND COLOMBIA
how-toVZCZCXYZ0000 PP RUEHWEB DE RUEHSP #0033 0271220 ZNR UUUUU ZZH P 271220Z JAN 09 FM AMEMBASSY PORT OF SPAIN TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 9641 INFO RUEHBO/AMEMBASSY BOGOTA 1369 RUEAWJA/DEPT OF JUSTICE WASHDC RUEHC/DEPT OF LABOR WASHDC RUEATRS/DEPT OF TREASURY WASHDC
UNCLAS PORT OF SPAIN 000033
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
DEPT FOR WHA/CAR, WHA/PPC, G/TIP, INL, DRL, PRM, IWI, WHA/PPC,
DEPT PASS TO USAID
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ELAB KTIP KCRM KFRD KWMN PHUM PREF SMIG ASEC TD
SUBJECT: JOINT TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS WORKSHOP FOR T&T AND COLOMBIA
SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED; PLEASE PROTECT ACCORDINGLY
UNCLAS PORT OF SPAIN 000033
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
DEPT FOR WHA/CAR, WHA/PPC, G/TIP, INL, DRL, PRM, IWI, WHA/PPC,
DEPT PASS TO USAID
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ELAB KTIP KCRM KFRD KWMN PHUM PREF SMIG ASEC TD
SUBJECT: JOINT TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS WORKSHOP FOR T&T AND COLOMBIA
SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED; PLEASE PROTECT ACCORDINGLY
1. (SBU) During a January 15 meeting with a local International
Organization of Migration (IOM) representative, EmbOffs learned of a
planned workshop between the Government of Trinidad and Tobago
(GOTT) and the Government of Colombia (GOC) to strengthen their
ability to combat trafficking in persons (TIP). The meeting is
tentatively set for late February. On January 23, National Security
Minister Martin Joseph publicly referred to the coming workshop as
part of an effort to determine whether human trafficking exists in
the region.
2. (SBU) According to IOM, what began as an idea for a small
gathering between the GOTT and GOC to informally discuss illegal
migration problems grew into the formal planned two-day session.
The draft agenda suggests the meeting will tackle such issues as the
process of shelter and identification of victims of
trafficking/illegal migrants in T&T and their return and
reintegration process in Colombia.
3. (SBU) Comment: Whether trafficking exists in T&T is a topic of
open public discussion. Both the Attorney General and the
Commissioner of Police have denied evidence for the existence of
TIP, but others in the government have been more willing to consider
the possibility. Due to five documented TIP cases linking T&T and
Colombia, and also due to the number of Colombian women voluntarily
smuggled to T&T, this coming meeting is a welcome step in the
campaign against TIP. End Comment.
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
DEPT FOR WHA/CAR, WHA/PPC, G/TIP, INL, DRL, PRM, IWI, WHA/PPC,
DEPT PASS TO USAID
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ELAB KTIP KCRM KFRD KWMN PHUM PREF SMIG ASEC TD
SUBJECT: JOINT TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS WORKSHOP FOR T&T AND COLOMBIA
SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED; PLEASE PROTECT ACCORDINGLY
1. (SBU) During a January 15 meeting with a local International
Organization of Migration (IOM) representative, EmbOffs learned of a
planned workshop between the Government of Trinidad and Tobago
(GOTT) and the Government of Colombia (GOC) to strengthen their
ability to combat trafficking in persons (TIP). The meeting is
tentatively set for late February. On January 23, National Security
Minister Martin Joseph publicly referred to the coming workshop as
part of an effort to determine whether human trafficking exists in
the region.
2. (SBU) According to IOM, what began as an idea for a small
gathering between the GOTT and GOC to informally discuss illegal
migration problems grew into the formal planned two-day session.
The draft agenda suggests the meeting will tackle such issues as the
process of shelter and identification of victims of
trafficking/illegal migrants in T&T and their return and
reintegration process in Colombia.
3. (SBU) Comment: Whether trafficking exists in T&T is a topic of
open public discussion. Both the Attorney General and the
Commissioner of Police have denied evidence for the existence of
TIP, but others in the government have been more willing to consider
the possibility. Due to five documented TIP cases linking T&T and
Colombia, and also due to the number of Colombian women voluntarily
smuggled to T&T, this coming meeting is a welcome step in the
campaign against TIP. End Comment.