Days after the Guyana Police Force announced that it was investigating a suspected case of Trafficking in Persons (TIP) involving 77 Cuban nationals, Minister of Home Affairs, Oneidge Walrond has indicated that the case has not been categorized as Trafficking in Persons. However, she said the prime suspect is being sought by the Police.

“It has not been categorized as TIP as yet, that’s why we are investigating but so far, it has not been treated as a TIP,” Minister Walrond said.

In a recent statement, the Guyana Police Force said it was investigating reports of suspected Trafficking in Persons activities following a joint operation conducted over the weekend at a building located at the corners of Charlotte and Albert Streets, Georgetown.

It said the exercise was carried out by ranks of the TIP Unit, the Criminal Investigation Department Headquarters, along with personnel from the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security (C-TIP Unit).

According to the Police, the investigations have so far revealed that 77 Cuban nationals travelled to Guyana under “credit arrangements,” and their travel documents have been seized pending repayment.

Under the arrangement, the suspect would finance the travel costs for the Cubans and once here, they would be assisted in finding jobs. It is suspected that the suspect would hold on to their passports until he is repaid the money he spent to cover their travel costs to Guyana.

Minister Walrond said the prime suspect is being sought. She, however, could not indicate whether Guyana was the final destination for the Cubans.

“I wouldn’t be able to say, the investigation is still going on but I have not gotten a full report. Those are things that are being investigated. Each one of the persons would have to be interviewed and so that investigation will take a while,” the Home Affairs Minister said.

According to the Police, the Cubans have been handed over to the Human Services and Social Security Ministry for further assessment and assistance.

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