BVI News

Men are sexually harassed too — Flax-Charles

Flax-Charles

Territorial At-Large Representative, Shereen Flax-Charles has drawn attention to the fact that sexual harassment in the workplace could be viewed, in some instances, as an equal-opportunity offence, affecting both men and women in offices in the BVI.

“There are men that get sexually harassed on the job too. It’s not just about women,” Flax-Charles said during recent consultations about the Whistleblower Act, 2021 which is expected to hold leaders in the highest public offices accountable.

Further to this, the Whistleblower Act seeks to allow individuals to disclose information about the corrupt practices of others once it is in the public’s interest.

The law would also provide for protection against the victimisation of persons who make these disclosures and to provide for a fund to reward individuals who make the disclosures.

Sexual harassment does exist in BVI

Flax-Charles, a first-term legislator, said one of the areas in workplaces that she felt the new legislation will help with is sexual harassment, adding that legislators have to ensure that there is a level playing field in which persons can feel comfortable enough to make a report if they feel that they are being wronged.

“You do have that (sexual harassment) here in the British Virgin Islands as well and it is something that persons are afraid to report for fear of retribution, fear of victimisation,” Flax-Charles explained.

Citing the issue as a global one, she continued: “If we see something, say something. If somebody is victimised, they have to be able to be comfortable to come forward to report because if that does not happen then the cycle continues.”

The legislation will now undergo its second and third readings in the House of Assembly. During these stages of the proceedings, legislators will fully debate the Bill then carefully examine its contents which are subject to amendments. It may then be accepted or rejected by means of a vote.

Talk is cheap but money buy land

Much of the focus of the discussions on the proposed legislation has been centred on addressing issues of libel and slander of persons in public office, with Ninth District Representative Vincent Wheatley expressing during the consultations that the legislation offers a proper framework to help persons be more accountable in what they say.

“Here in Virgin Gorda, and I know more so in Tortola, we always say talk is cheap but money buy land. But this cheap talk causes persons a lot of things, including your reputation which is invaluable,” Wheatley said.

Deputy Premier, Dr Natalio Wheatley said: “We want to end this culture of recklessly just repeating rumours and innuendo which is designed to destroy persons’ reputation. Now you have an avenue to be able to report information in a responsible way as opposed to the rumour mill that oftentimes is not based on fact.”

 

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10 Comments

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  1. Rubber Duck says:

    It is basically a bill to prevent free speech especially concerning any criticism of politicians. It masquerades as a whistleblower assist bill when in fact , by instigating severe penalties against those who cannot 100% prove what they say, it is designed to discourage any dissent whatsoever.

    Another piece of con man doublethink from this gang.

    Like 25
    Dislike 4
  2. yep says:

    true. it does happen here to

  3. @ your honor says:

    I would gladly volunteer to be harassed by you and I promise to be very obedient

    Like 7
    Dislike 5
  4. lol says:

    lordy yo mean dem aunty man attacking dem lil boyz on deh job too?

    Like 10
  5. SMH says:

    Teach People to think and get their research on before opening their Trap!

    Like 8
    Dislike 1
  6. Yup says:

    They are pressured by THOTs selling themselves and trying to outdo the husbands’ wives. You cannot be what you are not. Wicked sets of failures just like the Devil who deceived Eve to eat the fruit from the forbidden tree and then pretending to be innocent and godly. The True God will never and can never make you the wife of a man who is the husband of another woman.

    Like 5
    Dislike 1
  7. LADY / your HONOR says:

    you can harass me anytime and i promise i will be very obedient / and as for as those ( *** ) they need to be
    castrated

    Like 1
    Dislike 1
  8. LOL! says:

    WHO hurt you buddy????????

  9. God is good! says:

    Yeahh everytime I go strip club, all da woman rub me up then rob me! Least they save me few dollars for a burger

    Like 5
    Dislike 1
  10. Whistleblower says:

    who should I complain to? I went to both strip clubs in the sixth district and minding my own business I was sexually harassed by different women.Sadly I didn’t get my whistle blow and they took my money.

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