The People’s National Party Women’s Movement (PNP WM) president notes with concern the allegations of sexual harassment made by Councillor Julian Chang against Comrade Dwayne Vaz, the MP for Central Westmoreland.

“These allegations first came to our attention when they were shared by Comrade Chang during a radio interview on Monday, January 26,” said the PNP WM without naming Vaz. 

Chang, who is the councillor for the Savanna-la-Mar Division in Westmoreland, made the allegations in an interview with Nationwide News and named Vaz as her harasser.

“We are confident that the party will empanel its Independent Complaints Committee as per our by-laws (which emanate from the Party’s Sexual Harassment Policy) and ensure that the matter is fully ventilated and investigated and appropriate action taken,” said the PNP WM. 

The group said it is heartened that in 2018, the PNP’s annual conference approved the Sexual Harassment Policy that “now gives us the framework to deal with this matter”. 

It added: “The women’s movement does not condone any form of sexual harassment or abuse. 

“We continue to stand for a Jamaica where all citizens feel safe and empowered, especially our women, knowing that their concerns will be heard and dealt with fairly and appropriately, and we start with our party.”