[ Human Trafficking, Country-by-Country ]

ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES (Tier 2) – from the U.S. State Dept 2023 TIP Report

The Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so.  The government demonstrated overall increasing efforts compared with the previous reporting period, considering the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on its anti-trafficking capacity; therefore St. Vincent and the Grenadines remained on Tier 2.  These efforts included amending the anti-trafficking law to remove the option for a fine in lieu of imprisonment; increasing the number of and funding for police patrols in tourist areas and at large public gatherings, where trafficking was more likely to occur; and increasing public awareness efforts, including targeting new at-risk populations.  However, the government did not meet the minimum standards in several key areas.  Authorities have not prosecuted a trafficking case since 2015 and have never convicted a trafficker.  Victim identification and services remained weak, and the government did not provide adequate resources for anti-trafficking efforts.

Prioritized Recommendations

Vigorously prosecute and enable successful convictions of traffickers and seek adequate penalties for convicted traffickers, which should involve significant prison terms.

Increase investigations of suspected sex and labor trafficking cases, particularly cases involving children.

Increase government funding and resources across all relevant agencies to combat trafficking.

Improve the quality and specialization of victim services.

Consistently screen domestic and foreign at-risk populations, including former IDPs, economically disadvantaged children, individuals in commercial sex, migrants, and Cuban medical workers for trafficking indicators and refer victims to care.

Increase training for police, prosecutors, and the judiciary on improved evidence collection in trafficking cases, ensuring presented evidence meets applicable legal standards.

Increase the capacity of labor inspectors to identify and refer victims of labor trafficking to care, including children.

Continue to raise awareness about labor trafficking and sex trafficking and the need for public cooperation in law enforcement investigations in traditional and social media.