Trafficking probes fell by nearly half as U.S. flags gaps in Guyana’s response

(Kaieteur News) – Guyana’s investigations into human trafficking nearly halved in 2025, while funding for victim protection and prevention fell sharply, according to the 2026 Trafficking in Persons Report released by the United States Department of State. The report said Guyana initiated 16 trafficking investigations last year, down from 31 in 2024, even as it retained its Tier 1 ranking for meeting the minimum standards for eliminating trafficking.

It also raised concerns about the government’s failure to adequately regulate labour recruiters, prevent workers from being charged recruitment fees and sufficiently address trafficking risks at worksites linked to Chinese companies and state-affiliated projects.

The assessment said that while the government continued to prosecute alleged traffickers, train officials and expand victim assistance, it identified and referred fewer victims to services and reduced funding for protection and prevention efforts. In 2025, the government allocated GYD $116.9 million for victim services, down from GYD $132.6 million in 2024. Funding for prevention fell from GYD $169.5 million to approximately GYD $83.25 million over the same period.