There are strides being made to have Jamaica reach the highest ranking against human trafficking, Carol Palmer, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Justice, has said.

Speaking at the Anti-Trafficking in Persons (TIP) End of Project Two Forum at the Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel in St. Andrew on Thursday, Mrs. Palmer said that since the passing of the legislation, work is being done in the areas of prevention, protection and prosecution to combat the illegal activity.

"We are all working assiduously so that Jamaicans can be informed," Mrs. Palmer said.

She added: "This will allow all of us to avoid being tricked into slavery ... don't be too quick to grab on to something that looks pretty."

Last June, Jamaica's ranking was upgraded to Tier 2, with one being the highest, in fighting human trafficking.

The ranking follows the Government's passing of the Trafficking in Persons Act, last December.

Under prevention, protection and prosecution, are guidelines such as effective enforcement, training and greater awareness and monitoring of the country's borders.

Additionally, Mrs. Palmer said that a four-man delegation was in the U.S., under sponsorship from that nation's embassy, participating in human trafficking programme.

Training seminar

The permanent secretary also said that in June, seven members of the ministry and three police officers participated in a two-week training seminar in El Salvador, to fully understand the illegal activity.

"Right across the length and breath of Jamaica police officers are being trained to be aware and alert to this crime," she said.

The forum was to highlight the TIP project implemented by People's Action for Community Transformation (PACT) in collaboration with United States Agency for International Development (USAID) that happened from May 1 to September 30.

More than 150 youngsters, from Kingston, Westmoreland and western Jamaica, took part in the programme that raised the level of awareness about human trafficking.

Warning signs

Beware of 'modern-day slavery' or trafficking in children.

Does a job or other opportunity sound too good to be true?

Are you being promised lots of money, a great life, and lots of material goods?

Are you being chosen because you are young, good looking, and of a particular sex?

Is it unimportant that you have no skills or qualifications?

Will somebody get travel and/ or identification documents for you?

If you are to go abroad, will you be illegal in the other country?

Are you being urged to lie if you are to travel abroad?