The Government of Saint Lucia continues to intensify efforts to clamp down on the crime of Trafficking In Persons by recently adding more teeth to the Counter-Trafficking Act.
The newly amended Act is now cited as the Counter-Trafficking Amendment Act, 2021.
This legislation first came into force in 2010 and sets out to protect victims and prosecute traffickers. The Counter-Trafficking Act also applies to anyone involved in aiding and abetting the perpetration of crimes of exploitation against human beings.
Permanent Secretary in the Department of Home Affairs and National Security Mrs. Elizabeth Bailey says the amendment is in fact a very significant step in ensuring the legislation sends a strong message about the seriousness with which the law regards the exploitation of human beings.
āThe objective of undertaking the amendments to the Counter-Trafficking Act was to remove certain sentencing provisions that allowed fines in lieu of imprisonment for sex trafficking offenses. We are thankful to the Attorney Generalās Chambers and the Cabinet of Saint Lucia for their support in this process.ā
The Counter-Trafficking Amendment Act was assented to by the Governor-General His Excellency Sir Neville Cenac, on May 12, 2021.