Miners on Thursday were urged to help in the fight against trafficking in persons even as they were warned that the scourge could have negative implications for the gold industry.
The Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) at its AGM on Thursday honoured Simona Broomes, the woman miner who has spearheaded a vigorous campaign on behalf of women miners and against trafficking in persons.
Last month, US Secretary of State John Kerry had recognised Broomes- who is also President of the Guyana Women Miners Organization (GWMO) – as one of the 2013 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report Heroes. Over the last year or so in particular, Broomes and the women of her organisation have spearheaded daring rescues of women and under-aged girls who have been lured into the interior in the quest for betterment but have been sexually exploited. The GWMO has also sensitised communities in the interior to the scourge of human trafficking.
At the AGM, Harding handed over a plaque to Broomes in recognition of her work and urged miners to assist Broomes and the GWMO in whatever way they can. In brief remarks, Broomes said that if TIP is not reined in, there could be negative consequences for