Investigative capacity of gender bureau strengthened
ABIGAIL BARRETT / Our Today
The National Police College of Jamaica has trained 18 members of the Bureau of Gender Affairs (BGA), bolstering the agency’s investigative capabilities.
The Sexual Harassment Training Course, in collaboration with D-CIT, provided participants with exposure to criminal, civil, and administrative investigative processes, emphasising moral and ethical approaches.
Delivering the keynote address at the graduation ceremony, held at the institution on April 17, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange said the training will create a robust investigative culture and add to a safer and respectful, enabling and inclusive environment to drive meaningful change.
“It will champion gender justice to prioritise coordinated efforts to maximise resources and effectiveness for impactful gender equality, equity, socio-economic empowerment and social justice,” she said.
“I have all the confidence that, as we move forward, the ongoing upskilling and re-tooling of the officers will go a far way to assist the ministry in sexual harassment investigations,” she added.
The minister announced a partnership between BGA and JCF, aiming to decrease sexual harassment reports, lower legal costs, and promote ethical leadership and corporate responsibility.
“This will ultimately result in long-term sustainability and success, redounding to the benefit of all parties concerned,” she said.
Grange noted that the implementation of the Sexual Harassment legislation is intended to facilitate an inclusive and innovative culture, nurture social inclusion, and fuel creative solutions.
The Sexual Harassment Act became effective on July 3 and it addresses concerns about sexual harassment that are employment-related, occurring in institutions or arising in the landlord-and-tenant relationship.
Comments