As preparations continue for the hostingof the ICC Cricket World Cup that begins next month, several law enforcement officers are now undergoing a special two-day training seminar on 'trafficking in persons'.

Minister of Justice A.J. Nicholson said Monday at the opening session of the training exercise, that trafficking in persons, labelled as "modern-day slavery", threatens the very existence of a civilised country.

However, the Justice Minister said that a national plan of action has been developed to fight this humiliating crime in the island.

"We cannot in Jamaica, a small country, afford to have this kind of cloud over our head," said Nicholson.

Last month, The Gleaner reported that Jamaica remained on the United States' 'Special Watch List' for trafficking in persons.

Three components

Trafficking in persons comprises three components including the activity itself; travel or movement from one place to another; and, the exploitation of the trafficked individual.

"Eliminating this crime is not beyond us," added the Justice Minister.

Peter Bryant, International Organisation for Migration project manager, who is conducting the training session, said on Tuesday, that his main focus will be placed on enhancing the detection of human trafficking.

On Tuesday and Thursday, of this week, 50 persons from the Jamaica Constabulary Force, Customs and Immigration Departments will be exposed to the specialised training.

While Mr. Nicholson told the officers that trafficking in persons was one of the most difficult crimes to detect, he also warned those guilty of the act to desist.

"To all perpetrators, your time is running out. So turn yourself in or be dealt with by the law," he said.

The Trafficking in Persons Act was passed in the Senate less than a month ago and comes into effect on March 1.