THE tough legislation being offered by the government to combat the crime in human trafficking is positive proof of the Bharrat Jagdeo administration's commitment to curb and ultimately exorcise this evil from the Guyanese society.
If by their original classification of Guyana as a "Tier-3 country" in a heinous crime that has its manifestations in small and poor as well as big and rich nations, with the world's sole superpower itself affected in the process, the U.S. authorities may have motivated the government to move with more haste and preciseness in dealing with the problem, then they could also take some credit.
Some initial responses, especially within the Ministry of Labour and Human Resources, may have betrayed an element of surprising naivety about the practices by some business houses and elements, in and out of Georgetown, suspected of engaging in trafficking in persons (TIP), either as exploitation of labour or the sex trade, or both.
It is, nevertheless, evident that no case has been established of any deliberate failure on the part of the Guyana Government to take necessary action against those involved in human trafficking, once specific information had been brought to its attention.
Unlike some of its Caribbean Community partners where cases of exploitation of child labour and trafficking in women as prostitutes have been experienced, Guyana's vastness does not make it easy to monitor crimes in human trafficking, especially in relation to its indigenous people.
Yet, no excuses must be offered where firm and practical actions are required.
That's why it is commendable that the government could have so swiftly moved to enact legislation with significant penalties for those found guilty of the crime in human trafficking.
We look forward to the coming National Assembly debate of the anti-human trafficking legislation and for its rigorous enforcement as necessary.
Guyana has earned a very proud record in human rights observance over the years under this government and neither its opponents at home nor friends abroad should seek to ignore this record, even as they express concerns that can be objectively shared.