That St, Maarten was upgraded to Tier One (out of four) of the latest Trafficking In Persons (TIP) report of the US State Department is good news. Especially law enforcement authorities deserve credit for not
only going after the suspected culprits but protecting and assisting the victims.
The Casablanca case was specifically mentioned, in which six persons were prosecuted of whom three are still in prison. Fourteen victims were rescued and another 35 identified.
It’s important to remember that the current discussion with local adult clubs on a new policy for sex workers is related to that case. The old exotic dancer permit system clearly allowed too much room for recruitment under false pretences, exploitation and abuse.
Whether the plan to make the women independent entrepreneurs is feasible and the best practical solution remains to be seen. One can certainly see risks, including increased prostitution on the street or at private homes.
Be that as it may, the TI report shows efforts to combat modern slavery are appreciated on an international level and must obviously be accompanied by better regulating legitimate operators of local brothels. The kinds of excesses that apparently occurred and may still be happening in the sector are simply uncivilised.
