Ja: Finally!

GEORGETOWN, Guyana (AP) - The government introduced legislation yesterday that would impose sentences of up to life in prison against people convicted of human trafficking, an attempt to deflect US criticism that Guyana is not tough enough on the crime.

Human Services Minister Bibi Shadick introduced the bill during a brief parliamentary session. The bill would impose a maximum sentence of life in prison on those convicted of kidnapping people for prostitution or other commercial purposes.

The bill would also create a witness protection programme for people who provide evidence against suspected traffickers and require the government to keep a registry of people convicted of the offence. It will be debated after parliament returns from recess in October.