In light of sexual harassment claims at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), the Board of Directors has initiated steps to immediately tackle the issue in the workplace. This was decided at a meeting on Friday last.
In a missive to the press, the Board stated that the interventions reflected its deep concern about the allegations of sexual misconduct recently published in the news media.
“The CJIA Board condemns any behaviour which creates an unsafe environment for staff, concessionaires, contractors, suppliers and passengers using CJIA. The Board is fully committed to ensuring that the CJIA is a safe workplace for all, especially women and other vulnerable social groups,” the release stated.
As such, the Board has called for an immediate review of all policies, protocols, regulations, and practices that govern conduct and engagements in the workplace, and has taken steps to hire external consultants and specialists to conduct the reviews.
In addition, training will be provided for all persons who work at the Airport, including staff at all levels and persons working at the Airport on behalf of other agencies and companies.
“The Board wishes to assure the public that all allegations of improper conduct will be taken seriously and there will be prompt investigations. The Board will ensure that there is follow-through on any investigations that are conducted, and any allegation that is found to be credible will result in the immediate appropriate action,” the entity noted.
Meanwhile, the CJIA Board expects to have the external human resources management and gender affairs consultants in place by month end.
It was reported that the sexual assault incident occurred in the office of the Deputy Chief Executive Officer on July 30, 2018 while the duty-free staff was in a meeting with him.
The victim claimed that she was hugged inappropriately and kissed on her lips by the accused. In her complaint letter the day after the incident, which was seen by this newspaper, the woman explained that she went to the Deputy Chief Executive Officer to have an issue with her boss’s vehicle resolved.
Following the accusation, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer was sent on one’s week leave to facilitate an investigation.
A Police source confirmed that the official has been placed on $20,000 station bail as they continue to investigate the matter.
