Gender Minister Olivia Grange has announced the members of the Sexual Harassment Tribunal.

Grange made the disclosure during her contribution to the Sectoral Debate on Tuesday (June 25) in Parliament.

They are Dr Meric Dale Walker, Donald Roberts, Debby-Ann Brown-Salmon, Karen Thompson-Wilson, Karen Campbell-Bascoe, Gennetta Richards Smikle, Camille Lee, Kevel A. Campbell, Ferdinand Algernon Smith, Khadrea Sharree, Shaneek Rose Clacken, Junior A. Latibeaudiere, Clare Pamela Miller, Devon Merrick Dick, and Indera Persaud.

The Sexual Harassment Tribunal was established under the Sexual Harassment (Protection and Prevention) Act, which came into effect on July 3, 2023, to hear and determine complaints and make awards.

The tribunal will become operational during the 2024–2025 financial year.

The gender affairs minister said the individuals have all met the fit and proper eligibility requirements specified in the Act.

“It has been a necessarily detailed and carefully executed process of evaluation of the members. We already fully staffed the Sexual Harassment Investigation Unit, which will give support to the operation of the tribunal,” she said.

Meanwhile, Grange said her ministry is deliberately strengthening the Domestic Violence Act. Amendments to the Domestic Violence Act came into effect in January of this year. 

The amendments allow the court to issue protection orders and impose a penalty of up to J$1 million for a breach and a sentence of up to one year in prison.