The Caribbean Community (CARICOM)Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS) delivered an Advanced Multi-Disciplinary Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Programme in Antigua and Barbuda from 14 to 18 September 2026, in collaboration with the Trafficking in Persons (Prevention) Unit. The programme brought together investigators, prosecutors and judges to strengthen the country’s capacity to investigate, prosecute and adjudicate human trafficking cases.
Designed for experienced practitioners, the Programme went beyond introductory content to focus on critical thinking, strategic decision-making and the practical challenges that arise in complex trafficking matters. Participants were drawn from the Royal Police Force, the Antigua and Barbuda Forensic Services, the Immigration Department, Customs and Excise, the Office of National Drug and Money Laundering Control Policy, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the judiciary.
A distinctive feature of this five-day Programme was that it followed a single simulated case from investigation to courtroom. Investigators built the case over the first two days, conducted multi-country enquiries, evaluated financial and digital evidence and responded to developments that test their decision-making as the scenario unfolded. On the third day, prosecutors took the investigative file forward, assessed the evidence, charging decisions and disclosure obligations. On the fourth day, judges examined the management of trafficking proceedings, including protections for victims and child witnesses, in a peer-led judicial working session. On the final day, all three groups came together in an integrated simulation that tests the case from end to end.
Approximately 60 per cent of the Programme was practical. The content was grounded in the Trafficking in Persons (Prevention) Act, 2010 (and its amendments) as well as Antigua and Barbuda’s National Action Plan. Throughout the week, the Programme emphasised a victim-centred approach, the non-punishment of victims for offences they were compelled to commit, and cross-border cooperation.
Lt. Col. Michael Jones, Executive Director, CARICOM IMPACS, stated that trafficking cases demand more than a strong investigation and require a coordinated response from the first identification of a victim through to the fair determination of the case.
“Investigators, prosecutors, the judiciary and victim-support services have distinct responsibilities, but gaps between them can undermine both protection and justice. For CARICOM IMPACS, a whole-of-justice-system approach means strengthening those connections, nationally and across our Region, while respecting judicial independence and upholding due process. Our collective success must be measured not simply by cases brought before the courts, but by justice delivered, offenders held accountable and victims supported to rebuild their lives”, he added.
Mrs. Phillisha Pardo, Director (Ag), Trafficking In Persons (Prevention) Unit, noted that the Government of Antigua and Barbuda remains steadfast in its commitment to combatting human trafficking in all its forms. “We will continue to advance education, public awareness and strategic partnerships to prevent this crime and strengthen our national response. Where instances of trafficking are identified, we will pursue thorough investigations, prosecute offenders and ensure that victims receive the protection, support and justice they deserve”, she assured.
The Programme was delivered by a team of regional practitioners from Guyana and Jamaica, forming part of CARICOM IMPACS’ wider initiative to build national and regional capacity to counter TIP across Member States.
About CARICOM IMPACS
The CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS) was established in July 2006 by the Twenty-Seventh Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government, held in Bird Rock, St Kitts and Nevis. It is the implementation arm of the regional architecture that manages CARICOM’s action agenda on crime and security. The CARICOM IMPACS Training and Development Centre serves as the Agency’s primary training arm, delivering capacity-building programmes for border security, law enforcement and justice sector agencies across Member States.
For further information on the Advanced Multi-Disciplinary Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Programme please contact:
Trafficking In Persons Prevention Unit
Ministry of Legal Affairs,
Public Safety & Labour
4th Floor State Insurance Building
Cnr Long & Thames Streets
St. John’s,
Antigua, W.I.
Tel:
(268) 562-7089/461-2807 /562-5416
Fax:
(268) 562-5415/Overseas
E-mail:
humantrafficking@ab.gov.ag
mpsl@ab.gov.ag
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Antigua and Barbuda equips justice officials to fight human trafficking.