Policeman charged for trafficking girl –law enforcement pursuing shop owner who assaulted Broomes

By Svetlana Marshall –

A policeman has been charged for his part in trafficking one of four girls who were dramatically rescued by the Guyana Women Miners Association (GWMO) on Sunday from the Puruni Backdam, Region Seven. Acting Police Commissioner Leroy Brumell confirmed that the policeman has been charged, but could not say whether he has appeared in court or when he will appear in court.
On Tuesday, the 14-year-old victim picked out the officer during an identification parade. The policeman was subsequently taken into custody. After being rescued, the teenager told GWMO President Simona Broomes that a police officer had persuaded her to work in the interior, but she had no idea that the decision was going to land her in prostitution.
“’Mam, he really sweet talk me’,” Broomes quoted the teen as saying. According to the GWMO president, the police officer also owns a shop in the interior.
Commissioner Brumell said while he cannot confirm whether the police have been able to apprehend the shop owners who assaulted Broomes during the rescue operation, the force is actively pursuing the matter.
The owner of the shop, a popular businesswoman from Bartica (name provided), and her spouse allegedly physically and verbally assaulted Broomes at the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) Puruni office as she was attempting to take the girls to safety.
The girls were removed from the businesswoman’s shop by Broomes and her team, but not without a fight. The woman and her spouse followed Broomes to the mines office and attacked her in the presence of a GGMC officer.
A formal complaint was lodged on Tuesday. In addition to assault charges, the duo when caught will likely be charged with human trafficking as well.
GGMC launches investigation
The GGMC through the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry said an investigation has been launched into the allegation against the mines officer that he watched the traffickers assault Broomes. GGMC said preliminary findings have resulted in disciplinary action being taken against the officer, who apparently has been suspended.
Both GGMC and the Natural Resources Ministry have condemned the act of human trafficking. As a result, the commission has intensified its campaign to rid the mining industry of all illegal activities.
Additionally, it has renewed its commitment to support national efforts to deal with Trafficking in Persons (TIP), with mines officers being mandated to screen persons working in local and foreign-owned establishments to ensure that they are not underage or victims of trafficking.
GWMO, led by its president, rescued the four girls, ages 14, 15, 17, and 18, who allegedly worked as sex slaves after being trafficked to Tiger Creek, Puruni. The girls were also forced to cook, clean, and sell for the businesswoman for little or nothing.
Currently, they are in protective care under the auspices of the Child Care and Protection Agency as investigations continue.
This shocking incident has gotten nationwide attention, with political parties, government, and non-governmental organisations condemning human trafficking in any form.