October 1, 2025 – Guyana has once again earned a “Tier 1” ranking in the 2025 Trafficking in Persons Report issued by the U.S. Department of State, marking the ninth consecutive year the country has achieved the highest designation for its efforts to combat human trafficking.

Through a press statement, the Ministry of Home Affairs stated that the annual report evaluates global responses to human trafficking and highlights countries that demonstrate serious and sustained efforts to eliminate the crime.

Minister of Home Affairs, Oneidge Walrond, described the Tier 1 ranking as evidence of the Government’s unwavering dedication and effective action.

She noted that the Ministry of Home Affairs, and by extension the Government of Guyana, remains steadfast in its commitment to eradicate human trafficking both nationally and regionally.

This commitment, she added, is amplified by the tireless efforts of members of the Ministerial Taskforce on Trafficking in Persons, non-governmental organizations, civil society stakeholders, and other partners.

“Our comprehensive approach includes safeguarding vulnerable populations, increasing training and awareness, intensifying spot inspections and anti-trafficking operations, and through the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, providing robust support and protection to victims and survivors, pursuing relentless prosecution of offenders, and fostering strong partnerships both locally and internationally,” Minister Walrond said.

The report highlights several advancements in Guyana’s anti-trafficking framework, including increased prosecutions, the conviction of a sex trafficker with an ordered restitution payment, and enhanced collaboration with foreign governments. It also noted increased funding for protection and prevention initiatives.

At the same time, the report outlines twelve recommendations for Guyana to strengthen its efforts. These include increasing prosecutions and convictions, especially in child trafficking cases; expanding labour and spot inspections in high-risk sectors such as mining and logging; eliminating recruitment fees charged to workers; enforcing restitution orders; screening vulnerable groups such as migrants for trafficking indicators; and ensuring adequate penalties for traffickers and complicit officials.

Minister Walrond stressed that the Government is committed to urgently addressing these recommendations through advanced policies, rigorous monitoring, and strengthened partnerships to disrupt trafficking networks and safeguard victims.

The public is reminded that suspected trafficking cases can be reported to the Counter-Trafficking in Persons 24/7 Hotline at 227-4083, 623-5030, or 624-0079 (Spanish), or to any agency on the Ministerial Taskforce.