Investigative Capacity of BGA Strengthened
By: , April 18, 2024
Photo: Rudranath Fraser
Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Hon. Olivia Grange (second left), converses with Gerald McDermott (third left), the only male from the Bureau of Gender Affairs (BGA) who, along with 16 women, participated in an investigative training course at the National Police College of Jamaica in St. Catherine. Occasion was the graduation ceremony on April 17. Others (from left) are Principal Director in the Ministry, Sharon Coburn Robinson, and Detective Superintendent of Police with the Department of Criminal Investigation Training (D-CIT), Carl Berry.The Full Story
The investigative capacity of the Bureau of Gender Affairs (BGA) has been strengthened, following the training of 18 personnel from the agency at the National Police College of Jamaica, at Twickenham Park in St. Catherine.
Participants who took part in the Sexual Harassment Training Course, which was done in conjunction with the Department of Criminal Investigation Training (D-CIT), were exposed to criminal, civil and administrative investigative processes, with a major focus on 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, Hon. 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,” the Minister 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 noted that the partnership between the BGA and the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) will aid in the reduction of reports of cases of sexual harassment and reduce the legal costs for investigations and settlements, while also promoting 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.
Ms. Grange said 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 Monday, July 3, 2023.
It addresses concerns about sexual harassment that are employment-related, occurring in institutions or arising in the landlord and tenant relationship.