Many thanks to our partner Crime Stoppers Caribbean, Bermuda and Latin America for coordinating training in San Salvador and Guatemala City mid May.  Central America is considered one of the most dangerous places on earth and this training targeted towards the transportation / hospitality industry was very much needed for front line employees enabling them to recognize and report potential trafficking cases to law enforcement. We appreciate support from Crime Stoppers and Girls Rights Foundation.

See local TV coverage on Canal 33.

AAI team included Nancy Rivard, Alex Restrepo, Kathryn Griffin, Jose Redondo Skye Jannery Barney and Marie Rivard

Alejo Campos, welcomed our group to his home upon arrival in El Salvador and here are some pictures from the first training on May 18 at the Foreign Ministry of El Salvador, presenters also included UNODC, IOM, and other stakeholders

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The following day in Guatemala City, the Ministry of Guatemala signed an MOU with CrimeStoppers international – see TV coverage here from Canal 7 and this video.   Afterwards the team provided human trafficking awareness training to Uber drivers including a scenario of a trafficking incident, which an Uber driver correctly reported.  Alex Restrepo played the Uber driver, Jose Redondo the trafficker and Skye Jannery-Barney, the victim.

The following day we provided another even larger training in Antigua to tourism professionals and law enforcement. Crimestoppers shared their new on line reporting tool and presentations were given by UNODC, IOM and many other tourism and community leaders.  Even the First Lady’s office was represented. Guatemala is a Blue Heart partner and has developed an excellent TV Commercial to build awareness with the public.  The AAI team adapted our scenario to highlight an alert hotel employee (Marie Rivard) who distracted the trafficker (Jose Redondo) so the victim (Skye Jannery) could get to the ladies room while law enforcement was contacted.  The program was well received by all.   

We also had time to visit our adopted project Casa Jackson  – All God’s Children orphanage children’s program and even pulled off a surprise birthday party for Alejo Campos of Crimestoppers!