Calls for more time to put sexual harassment policies in place
Published:Monday | May 6, 2024 | 12:06 AMRuddy Mathison/Gleaner Writer
With less than two months before the June 30 deadline for public- and private-sector entities to implement sexual harassment policies in workplaces, some interests in St Catherine say they will be challenged to comply.
In an address at the formal opening of the RA Williams state-of-the-art office and temperature-control storage facility in Spanish Town last week, Olivia Grange, minister of culture, gender, entertainment and sport, reminded attendees of the importance of the legislation.
However, President of the St Catherine Chamber of Commerce, Dennis Robotham, called for more time and suggested that the Government consider offering a policy template to assist them, as businesses were struggling to interpret the provisions of the law. He also called for a sensitisation process. Robotham voiced concern about potential lawsuits stemming from the lack of clarity.
“We are ignorant of this provision in the law, we are not lawyers, and there is the potential for lawsuits. There should be a sensitisation process and a template established that structured the policy in a more specific way,” Robotham stated, adding that more time should be allocated for the development of this policy statement.
Principal of Spanish Town Primary School Roogae Kirlew also expressed sentiments of ignorance and complexity in meeting the deadline. Kirlew highlighted the need for collaboration with multiple stakeholders.
“As an educational institution we have to communicate with the Ministry of Education, school boards, and parent-teacher associations in formulating the policy statement.” He said this was impossible to achieve by the end of June.
At the event, Grange emphasised that sexual harassment is a serious issue. She highlighted the significance of the legislation in promoting gender equality, and stressed the need for all parties to be aware of the boundary-setting policies which must be put in place in every entity.
“Under the law, this policy statement must be prepared and brought to the attention of each worker, client, student, resident, inmate, patient, or member within 12 months of the commencement date of the law.”
Grange emphasized the broad scope of entities required to have a sexual harassment policy by the end of June, including government ministries, municipal corporations, schools and businesses. She outlined key components of the policy, including definitions of sexual harassment, disciplinary measures, internal mechanisms for complaints, and the right to seek redress from the tribunal.