Combating Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery in Trinidad and Tobago: The Pivotal Role of Civil Society and Structural Interventions*. *Nila Bala @Small Drops & Stop Human Trafficking CIC*

*Abstract*

Human trafficking and modern slavery remain acute challenges in Trinidad and Tobago (T&T), disproportionately affecting migrants, women, and children. Despite legislative frameworks and institutional mechanisms, the majority of victims remain unidentified due to structural vulnerabilities, socio‑economic pressures, and institutional limitations. This paper examines these dynamics and analyses the strategic role of Dr Nicola Garrington and the Stop Human Trafficking CIC team. Their work exemplifies the transformative potential of civil society in strengthening national anti‑trafficking capacity, empowering vulnerable populations, and shaping long-term prevention and protection strategies. The findings underscore the need for multi‑layered interventions combining legal reform, social protection, economic diversification, and community-driven action.

Keywords: human trafficking; modern slavery; civil society; Trinidad and Tobago; migrant vulnerability; structural interventions; victim protection.

*1. Introduction*

Trinidad and Tobago, an upper‑middle‑income Caribbean nation, exhibits socio-economic and demographic features that heighten vulnerability to human trafficking. According to the 2023 edition of the Global Slavery Index (GSI), approximately 4.7 per 1,000 people in T&T — roughly 7,000 individuals — live in conditions of modern slavery (Walk Free, 2023). However, official detection captures only a fraction of this population, revealing a substantial hidden victim population. Fear of retaliation, irregular migration status, distrust of authorities, and institutional bottlenecks exacerbate under-identification.

In this context, civil society actors are critical. The initiatives of Dr Nicola Garrington and the Stop Human Trafficking CIC exemplify how NGOs and community-driven interventions fill critical gaps in prevention, victim support, rehabilitation, and policy advocacy, complementing governmental efforts.

*2. Structural Vulnerabilities and Socio‑Economic Pressures*

2.1 Youth vulnerability

Youth aged 10–24 constitute a significant demographic segment. High unemployment and limited tertiary education access render young people susceptible to grooming, coercion, and exploitation (Newsday, 2024a). Socio-economic pressures and weak social protection mechanisms increase vulnerability to labour and sexual exploitation.

2.2 Migrant precarity

Migrants — particularly from Venezuela — represent one of the highest-risk groups. Irregular migration status, language barriers, and lack of legal protection expose them to debt bondage, sexual exploitation, and labour abuse (Newsday, 2024a; CIA, 2023).

2.3 Economic dependence and labour market fragility

T&T’s reliance on the oil and gas sector limits employment opportunities in non-energy sectors, amplifying labour vulnerabilities. Informal and domestic work sectors, often poorly regulated, become high-risk environments for exploitation.

2.4 Institutional constraints

The Trafficking in Persons Act 2011 established the Counter Trafficking Unit (CTU), which rescued 102 victims and prosecuted 63 offenders between 2013 and 2024 (Newsday, 2024a). Despite progress, systemic limitations — including insufficient inter-agency coordination, corruption, and underreporting — undermine full enforcement and victim protection (CIA, 2023; Newsday, 2024b).

*3. Patterns of Exploitation*

3.1 Sexual exploitation

Women and girls, particularly migrants, are the primary targets. Cases frequently involve deceptive recruitment, coercion, confinement, and forced prostitution (Newsday, 2024b).

3.2 Labour exploitation

Labour violations occur in domestic work, agriculture, construction, hospitality, and informal sectors. Victims often face wage withholding, document confiscation, and threats (CIA, 2023).

3.3 Emerging forms

Digital platforms increasingly facilitate recruitment, while T&T functions as both a destination and transit hub within regional trafficking networks (CIA, 2023). Forced participation in criminal networks is an emerging, under-researched form of exploitation.

*4. Civil Society Interventions: Dr Nicola Garrington and Stop Human Trafficking CIC*

4.1 Community awareness and prevention

The CIC delivers workshops, school programmes, faith-based outreach, and public campaigns to educate communities about trafficking indicators, empowering individuals to recognise and resist exploitation.

4.2 Victim empowerment and rehabilitation

Services include psychosocial support, legal guidance, safe-referral mechanisms, and skills-building programmes, enabling survivors to regain autonomy and stability.

4.3 Policy advocacy and institutional strengthening

Collaborating with government agencies and international bodies, Dr Garrington’s team enhances reporting pathways, victim identification, and prosecution mechanisms (UN, 2024).

4.4 Culturally sensitive engagement

Interventions reflect T&T’s multicultural context, ensuring accessibility for Afro‑Trinidadian, Indo‑Trinidadian, mixed-heritage, and migrant communities, thereby fostering trust and participation.

*5. International and Strategic Dimensions*

5.1 Global economic influences

Foreign investment and infrastructure projects can inadvertently create labour vulnerabilities if regulatory oversight is weak.

5.2 Transnational networks

Trafficking in T&T is linked to broader regional networks spanning Latin America and the Caribbean, necessitating cross-border intelligence-sharing and cooperation.

5.3 International legal frameworks

T&T’s anti-trafficking efforts align with international conventions, including the Palermo Protocol, emphasising harmonisation of domestic law with global standards for prevention, protection, and prosecution.

*6. Strategic Recommendations*

6.1 Structural interventions

Diversify the economy and strengthen labour protections.

Expand youth employment schemes and educational access.

Enhance social protection for at-risk households.

6.2 Legal and institutional reforms

Provide specialised training for law enforcement and judiciary.

Establish robust national data systems.

Improve conviction rates through evidence-based prosecution.

6.3 Support community-led initiatives

Provide sustainable funding for NGOs and civil-society actors.

Promote culturally sensitive outreach and survivor-centred services.

6.4 Strengthen international cooperation

Engage regional bodies for intelligence-sharing and joint initiatives.

Monitor labour conditions in foreign-funded projects.

Align domestic policies with international standards.

*7. Conclusion*

Human trafficking in Trinidad and Tobago persists due to socio-economic vulnerabilities, institutional limitations, and hidden exploitation. The work of Dr Nicola Garrington and the Stop Human Trafficking CIC demonstrates civil society’s indispensable role in bridging systemic gaps. Holistic strategies — combining structural reform, legal enforcement, social empowerment, and international cooperation — are essential to safeguard the rights and dignity of victims and reduce the prevalence of modern slavery.

References

1. Walk Free. Global Slavery Index 2023 – Country Snapshot: Trinidad and Tobago. 2023.

2. Newsday. “Report shows from 2013-2024, 102 human trafficking victims rescued.” 23 November 2024.

3. Newsday. “Counter Trafficking Unit expects more convictions of human traffickers.” 11 December 2024.

4. CIA. The World Factbook – Trafficking in Persons: Trinidad and Tobago. 2023.

5. United Nations in Trinidad and Tobago. “Multistakeholder Programme Concludes After Supporting Over 100 Victims of Human Trafficking.” 21 October 2024.

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