Pilot to be charged with 16 counts of trafficking in persons

ORLANDO Charles, a 45-year-old pilot and businessman of Lot 45 Middle Street, Georgetown, is to be charged by ranks of the Guyana Police Force's Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Unit, with 16 counts of trafficking in persons, Contrary to Section 3(1)(i) of the Combatting of Trafficking in Persons Act, No. 2 of 2005.

According to information from the Guyana Police Force (GPF), Charles, between November 1, 2022 and May 18, 2023, trafficked 16 Venezuelans between the Mazaruni River in Region Seven and Georgetown.

The victims reported the

Orlando Charles

matter to the Guyana Police Force, and members of the Trafficking in Persons Unit

The Guyanese Head of State had said that in addition to oil and gas, expanding opportunities in the other non-oil natural resources sectors such as bauxite will create an opportunity for a direct link to northern Brazil and further afield that can “create an excellent platform for us to develop an integrated project”. of the Criminal Investigations Department Headquarters immediately conducted an investigation.

Outside of oil and gas, Brazil has also recognised the potential of Guyana’s agriculture sector, and is already expressing an interest in partnering with Guyanese to establish a massive cattle production industry in the Rupununi.

Further, Guyana is also hoping to develop an energy corridor, in collaboration with Brazil, Suriname and possibly French Guiana that could see the countries’ energy resources (including natural gas) satisfying domestic and regional needs.

Subsequent to the investigation, legal advice was given by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for Charles to be charged with 16 counts of trafficking in persons.

“The Guyana Police Force's TIP Unit, in efforts to combat trafficking in persons, will continue to work with other stakeholders to conduct intelligence-led operations, spot inspections, awareness, and training in every region of Guyana,” the GPF said.