U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS – Expressing his heartfelt concern for the protection of victims and the prevention of future occurrences, Governor Albert Bryan Jr. convened the first meeting Wednesday of the Virgin Islands Council on Human Trafficking. Deputy Attorney General Ian Clement was appointed chairman of the Council.
Defined as the recruitment and transport of people by force or deception for the purpose of labor, sexual exploitation or activities that benefit others financially, Council members acknowledged that human trafficking has been taking place in the Territory for years.
“It seems distant, but right here in the Virgin Islands it happens every day,” Governor Bryan said. “People use every excuse to exploit people, especially the undocumented.”
Council members include representatives from the Department of Justice, Office of the Attorney General, the Department of Human Services, the Law Enforcement Planning Commission, the Virgin Islands Criminal Victims Compensation Commission as well as non-governmental organizations that represent, advocate for or provide services to victims. Members of the Council serve four-year terms.
“Human trafficking is modern-day slavery, and it affects over 27 million people globally,” Deputy Attorney General Ian Clement said. “The Government of the Virgin Islands is dedicated to doing its part to fight this scourge. The Virgin Islands Council on Human Trafficking aims to provide resources for victims, training for responders, and community awareness.
I am gratified to have been selected as the Council’s first chair. I am positive that with the assistance of the Governor and stakeholders including DOJ, VIPD, LEPC, DHS and victims advocates it will be a beacon of hope against the shadows of human trafficking, illuminating a path of assistance for some of our most vulnerable inhabitants,” Clement said.
The Council is tasked with developing and coordinating a comprehensive plan to provide victims with services, collecting data on human trafficking in the Virgin Islands, promoting public awareness about human trafficking, and coordinating training on human trafficking prevention and victim services for Government employees who may have recurring contact with victims or perpretrators.
In addition to Governor Bryan, Deputy Attorney General Ian Clement and VI Chief Counsel Richard Evangelista, those in attendance at the Council meeting Wednesday were Jason Marsh, representing VIPD Acting Commissioner Mario Brooks, Department of Human Services Commissioner Averil George, Law Enforcement Planning Commission Director Moleto Smith, St. Croix Administrator Samuel Sanes , Peace Officer Standards and Training Director Gleston McIntosh, VIPD Lt. Deborah Hodge, Department of Justice Victim Advocate Ruth Warren, Women’s Coalition Executive Director Clema Lewis and Family Resource Center Executive Director Anya Stuart.
The Bryan-Roach Administration is investing in the Territory’s people, infrastructure and future through transparency, stabilizing the economy, restoring trust in the government and ensuring that recovery projects are completed as quickly as possible. Visit transparency.vi.gov
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