Airline Ambassadors partnered with FiWi Jamaica, University of Technology and USAID to provide training on human trafficking awareness at ports/airports in Kingston, Montego Bay and Ocho Rios Jamaica  June 14-18, 2017.  This was the first effort of its kind in the country.  See Ambassador Ward’s post on the trip

The Recognize It – Report It Training kicked off at a launch in Kingston with representatives from the Ministry of Justice, the US Embassy and supporting organizations.

Nancy Rivard

Ambassador Ward

Shamere McKenzie

Ambassador Curtis Ward, former Ambassador to the United Nations from Jamaica (and counter-terrorism expert) presented an overview and background at each presentation and AAI trainer and survivor,  Shamere McKenzie riveted audiences with her personal story.  It was great to have the support of Superintendent of Police – and head of the National Task force SP Carl Berry also join the presentations at each location.   His intimate knowledge of cases in Jamaica and engaging style, left everyone wanting more. Participants at each location were very VERY receptive and leadership was identified to continue the education process.

See below sample letter from one of the participants :

“Dear Nancy

 It certainly was a pleasure meeting you today ..

I have been  in the Jamaica   tourism industry  for the past thirty one ( 31) years and  I personally felt that I had handled the widest scope of topics possible –until the introduction to you , the teams and the organization .

Already I have reached out to my corporate team and  I would most definitely love to introduce you sometime next month , while at HQ/ Calgary  for meetings 

In the interim , it will be  a privilege to be a member of the local airline / port team which will be trained and enabled to roll out sessions in this matter.  Please let s keep in touch and keep this momentum going forward

Best Regards

CHAIRPERSON – MBJ Airline Operators Committee

Check out this recent article on Carol Palmer since our visit. Special acknowledgement goes to Zadie Neufville who masterminded the training program and put together the initiative.  Here is her letter of invitation:

Zadie Neufeld

I am writing to invite members of Airline Ambassadors International to assist with the delivery of anti-Human Trafficking Training in two international airports and one cruise port in Jamaica. The training will be delivered as workshops and train-the-trainer sessions over three days, June 14 to 17, 2017.

As discussed via telephone and emails, we are desirous of providing training that will allow our airport and cruise port staff to recognize and report suspected instances of trafficking before the victims leave our shores or enter our jurisdiction.

We are extremely lucky to have partnered with FiWi Jamaica, and in association with the Norman Manley and Donald Sangster International Airports Authorities and the Ports Authority to deliver the training. 

In addition to the three days of workshops and train-the-trainer sessions, there will be a launch on the evening of June 14. This event will include ranking members of the Jamaican government and the diplomatic corps and will be hosted by FiWi Jamaica, which is a USAID-funded project in Jamaica.

Looking forward to your participation.

Zadie Neufville (Ms)

Training Coordinator  http://ahyaad.webs.com/