Jamaica’s Sexual Harassment Tribunal Now Operational: A Landmark Step for Workplace Protection
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica has officially launched its Sexual Harassment Tribunal, a critical milestone in the fight to eliminate sexual harassment across all sectors of society. The announcement was made by Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, during her contribution to the 2025/26 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on June 24.
The Tribunal was established under the Sexual Harassment (Protection and Prevention) Act, which was passed in 2021 and came into effect on July 3, 2023. This Act provides a legal framework to prevent and address sexual harassment in the workplace and institutions, ensuring Jamaicans can work and learn in safe and respectful environments.
“The Tribunal is now operational,” Minister Grange stated. “It applies across all sectors and mandates every employer or institution to create and enforce policies to prevent and address sexual harassment.”
A short while ago, the Honourable Olivia Grange took to her social media to announce a major milestone in Jamaica’s fight against sexual harassment.
“Today, 14 members of the Sexual Harassment Tribunal were officially sworn in, alongside 18 Designated Authorised Officers, during a ceremony at the Ministry,” she shared. “I reminded them that their roles are far from symbolic—they are essential, impactful, and deeply meaningful. Their appointments breathe life into our commitment that no one in Jamaica should endure sexual harassment in silence or without the hope of justice.”
Minister Grange explained that the Tribunal, established under her Ministry, functions as an independent body with the authority to hear and resolve sexual harassment complaints in workplaces, schools, rental agreements, and other professional environments.
“The Tribunal’s mandate is to listen attentively, judge impartially, and ensure justice is served for all parties,” she said. “Hearings are conducted with strict confidentiality to protect the dignity and safety of everyone involved.”
She also noted that the Sexual Harassment Investigation Unit, along with a team of Authorised Officers, will be responsible for receiving and thoroughly investigating complaints before they are presented to the Tribunal.
Minister Grange was joined at the event by the Honourable Kamina Johnson Smith, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, who praised the progress being made. “The establishment of the Tribunal marks a major step forward in our long-standing fight against sexual harassment,” Johnson Smith stated.
Purpose and Powers of the Tribunal
The Sexual Harassment Tribunal is a specialized body designed to hear and resolve complaints of sexual harassment in a manner that is more efficient and accessible than traditional court proceedings. It has the power to:
- Hear formal complaints of sexual harassment.
- Make legally binding decisions and awards, including compensation.
- Order corrective measures, including policy enforcement and staff training.
The Tribunal offers an alternative to the court system, providing a focused, faster, and often less costly path to justice for victims of sexual harassment. While the Tribunal operates independently, its decisions may still be appealed to the Supreme Court.
Supporting Infrastructure and Community Engagement
Minister Grange also provided updates on key support mechanisms being implemented under the Act:
- The Bureau of Gender Affairs (BGA) has already reviewed 42 workplace sexual harassment policies.
- Training has been completed for 18 BGA members, who now serve as Sexual Harassment Investigative Officers.
- The Sexual Harassment Investigation Unit (SHIU) has conducted multiple investigative training sessions for Human Resource professionals and hosted sensitisation workshops across various sectors.
At the community level, the Ministry has facilitated outreach and education sessions with schools, police youth clubs, faith-based organizations, and other grassroots groups.
A Safer, Stronger Jamaica
“We have followed through on our commitment to create the conditions for our people to thrive and prosper, to improve their lives, to make their dreams come true, and to build a stronger, better Jamaica,” Minister Grange said in closing.
This development signals a significant step forward in Jamaica’s ongoing efforts to promote gender equity, dignity in the workplace, and access to justice for all citizens.
ABOUT THE ACT
The Sexual Harassment (Protection and Prevention) Act mandates:
- All employers and institutions to implement and enforce anti-sexual harassment policies.
- The establishment of the Sexual Harassment Tribunal for swift resolution of complaints.
- Provisions for victim protection and employer accountability.
The Tribunal’s establishment places Jamaica among a growing list of countries utilizing specialized bodies to adjudicate sensitive matters like sexual harassment, ensuring survivors have clear pathways to redress and that perpetrators are held accountable.
Jamaica Live will continue to monitor and report on the Tribunal’s progress and its impact on creating safer work and educational environments across the nation.