Will B.D.F. Act Swiftly Against Sexual Predators?

Steven Ortega

A special investigative team has been assigned by the Ministry of National Security. The team is being led by Assistant Superintendent Sherlette Ramclam and includes Inspector Shaida Mckenzie, Josephine Garbutt, and retired Commissioner of Police Gerald Westby, who is now the Chairman of the Civilian Complaint and Review Board. According to Ortega, no stone will be left unturned and action will be taken swiftly and anyone found in violation will be dealt with to the full extent of the law.

Brigadier General Steven Ortega, Commander, Belize Defence Force

“I don’t know if the persons on the investigative team are military. I don’t know their names in military. I know they are police. We will have a military component because it has to do with a defense act but we are not leading the investigation. If you note the press release says that I believe that it is Ms Ramclam that is heading the investigation.”

Reporter

“Are you aware if any military officer has previously been charged with a sexual harassment charge?”

Brigadier General Steven Ortega

“Not to my recollection.”

Reporter

“But are you aware that there have been ramblings and these are ramblings that have existed within the community that there is this culture within the military of officers who are primarily male acting untoward towards female officers and in this case, recruits?”

Brigadier General Steven Ortega

“How do you answer that? I believe we can all make an accusation against someone but at the end of the day you have to come forward with your written report because you can say that she said she said. But if that person doesn’t come forward and doesn’t make a formal report then we can’t do an investigation on rumors.”