U.S. Embassy Supports TIP Office in Guayaramerín

By D. Frerichs

Larry Memmott celebrates with FELCC national administrative chief, Lt. Col. Mario Herrera the opening of the new TIP office (State Department)

With the support of the U.S. Embassy, through its Narcotics Affairs Section (NAS), the Bolivian Police unit Fuerza Especial Contra el Crimen (FELCC) inaugurated on September 19 an office dedicated to combating trafficking in persons in the border city of Guayaramerín. U.S. Embassy Chargé d'Affaires Larry Memmott said the United States is proud to participate in this effort that requires common action from all countries.

Memmott presented FELCC national administrative chief, Lt. Col. Mario Herrera with the keys of a vehicle for the anti-trafficking unit. The U.S. diplomat and the Bolivian police authority cut the ribbon to inaugurate the new equipped office.

"We are not here to give a donation, but to express our continuing commitment with the struggle embraced by Bolivians, Brazilians, and others to put an end to modern-day slavery," said Memmott. The ceremony was also attended by Brazilian Ambassador to Bolivia, Marcel Fortuna Biato.

The U.S. diplomat acknowledged the work being done by both the Government of the Plurinational State of Bolivia and the Bolivian Police to combat this scourge. He said the coordinated effort between Bolivian officers and their counterparts in Brazil, Argentina, and Peru was bearing fruit as it is seen in the rescue of victims of tracking in persons and their subsequent reintegration into their families and society.

The U.S. Embassy has supported the opening of eleven TIP units throughout the country, three of which are located in towns bordering with Brazil (Puerto Quijarro, Cobija, and Guayaramerín).