The Ministry of Home Affairs, Crime Prevention, and Persons with Disabilities continues to take proactive steps in educating Saint Lucia’s youth on the dangers of human trafficking. In mid-February, over forty students from the Saint Mary’s College Interact Club and Peer Counsellors participated in a powerful and engaging session aimed at increasing awareness and prevention of this crime.
The session featured Ms. Claudia Monlouis, Information Assistant at the Ministry of Home Affairs, Sergeant Sisely Baptiste of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force’s Vulnerable Persons Unit, and Mr. Lucius Lake, a retired Inspector of Police. Together, they emphasized that raising awareness among students is a crucial step in preventing human trafficking and protecting vulnerable individuals.
Saint Mary’s College School Counsellor, Ms. Christelle Lee, who spearheaded the initiative, highlighted the importance of equipping students with knowledge to safeguard themselves and their peers. “Traffickers often use deception, false job offers, or even relationships to lure victims. When students understand these tactics, they can take action to stay safe and help others,” she explained.
During the session, students learned about the action, means, and purpose that define human trafficking and were trained on how to identify suspicious activity. The initiative aligns with the Ministry’s broader strategy to combat human trafficking by empowering communities through education and vigilance.
