Strengthening Evidence-Based Decision Making for Citizen Security in the Caribbean

Trafficking in persons (TIP) is a significant issue in Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda, Trinidad and Tobago, and Saint Lucia, which have struggled to enforce TIP laws and hold perpetrators accountable due to case backlogs, insufficient labor trafficking inspection training, and insufficient investigation and prosecutions skills needed to convict traffickers. All four Caribbean countries are placed on the Tier 2 level by the US Department of State, with Trinidad and Tobago on the Tier 2 Watch list for the third consecutive year. Despite establishing systems for investigation, adjudication, prevention, and victim support, convictions remain rare and agencies responsible for identifying victims and addressing their needs must continue to develop their capacity given the level of complexity brought about by the issue of trafficking. Across the region there is a consistency in a need for improved interagency coordination, victim-centered approaches by police and other law enforcement personnel. Funded by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and USAID, the American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative (ABA ROLI) is implementing an initial rapid response project, the Strengthening Evidence-Based Decision Making for Citizen Security in the Caribbean (CariSECURE 2.0) program, aimed at assessing regional capacity gaps and needs in preparation developing future specialized training, mentoring, and advisory programming to strengthen the CTIP system in the Eastern Caribbean – Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda, Trinidad and Tobago, and Saint Lucia.

This initiative is part of the more extensive CariSECURE 2.0 program, which focuses on reducing youth involvement in crime and violence and strengthening efforts against trafficking in persons in the Caribbean. ABA ROLI specifically supports Objective 2 of the CariSECURE 2.0 program, which aims to bolster state capacity to identify, screen, investigate, and prosecute trafficking cases.

Throughout the duration of the program, ABA ROLI will facilitate the following activities:

• Specialized Training: ABA ROLI conducts training sessions for law enforcement and judicial officers in Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda, Trinidad and Tobago, and Saint Lucia to improve their skills in managing, investigating, prosecuting, and adjudicating TIP cases.
• Needs Assessment: Through focus groups and scoping meetings, ABA ROLI identifies training and institutional needs for TIP case management to ensure targeted and effective interventions.
• Study Tours: Organizing study tours to TIP special courts/model justice systems for judges and judicial officials from Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, and the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court.
• Judges Mentorship Exchange: Implementing a mentorship program where US judges mentor local judges on best practices in adjudicating TIP cases, including virtual mentoring sessions for ongoing support.
• Development of Toolkits: Creating standardized toolkits for judicial officers, magistrates, prosecutors, and law associations to support TIP case management and improve overall response to trafficking cases.

This program aims to create sustainable improvements in the Caribbean's justice systems by strengthening institutional capacities, promoting transparency and accountability, and enhancing public understanding of the rule of law. By effectively combating TIP and improving prosecution efforts, the project will contribute to the development of a more just and equitable society in the region.