Bryan administration announced anti-human-trafficking bill and council

Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. and Attorney General Ariel Smith announced on July 27, 2023, proposed legislation and related initiatives aimed at preventing human trafficking in the U.S. Virgin Islands and expanding services for victims.

The measure, titled the Victims of Human Trafficking Prevention Act, would direct proceeds from the sale of Little St. James and certain proceeds from Epstein-related settlements, as appropriated by the Legislature, to anti-human-trafficking initiatives. According to Government House, the bill also would create training for law enforcement and victim-advocacy stakeholders, align human-trafficking reporting requirements with existing child-abuse reporting rules, clarify the attorney general’s authority to enforce trafficking laws, and enhance victim services.

Bryan also announced the creation of the Virgin Islands Council on Human Trafficking, which Government House said would coordinate a plan for victim services and data collection on human trafficking in the territory.

The governor’s nominees to the council were Sammuel Sanes, St. Croix administrator; Deborah Hodge, a Virgin Islands Police lieutenant; Ruth Warren, a victim advocate with the Virgin Islands Department of Justice; Clema Lewis, executive director of the Women’s Coalition; and Anya Stuart, executive director of the Family Resource Center.

Government House also said the Justice Department would launch a public-awareness campaign intended to help residents and law enforcement identify signs of human trafficking.

Official source: https://www.vi.gov/governor-bryan-usvi-announce-new-legislation-and-initiatives-to-combat-human-trafficking/