Prosecuting human trafficking cases in Trinidad and Tobago : challenges and solutions in a small island state

Abstract

There is minimal academic research and analysis on human trafficking in the Caribbean and almost none on Trinidad and Tobago. Although global reports list all states as having low prosecution and conviction rates, there is very little publicly available empirical research on the challenges faced by small states, in particular, the Caribbean, on the prosecution of human trafficking cases. This paper reviews the prosecution of human trafficking cases in the small island state of Trinidad and Tobago for the period 2013-2022 and offer solutions to the many challenges faced by such small island states. A mixed method approach is applied, using the convergent design where data types are analysed simultaneously, followed by an integrated analysis with separate discussions of the quantitative and qualitative findings. Recommendations are made based on best practices adopted by other states and international relations theories.