BDF to implement Sexual Harassment Policy

The Belize Defence Force says that plans are already in place to address some of the internal wrongdoings outlined in the investigation into the allegations at the training company. Today they hosted the media in an almost two-hour long discussion before they fielded questions about the investigation into allegations of a sexual nature, extortion, physical abuse and other forms of misconduct. Last week Monday we reported on those findings and in that report a number of recommendations were made. Today Legal Officer Major Lionel Olivera told the press that they were already conducting internal investigations and taking necessary actions before the independent investigation was launched and the findings were released. One of the measures being implemented is the Belize Defence Force Sexual Harassment Policy.  It is a seven-page document the B.D.F. has drafted to support a (quote) safe environment for all of its soldiers, officers, and civilian employees free from discrimination on any ground and from harassment at work including sexual harassment. (Unquote) The plan defines sexual harassment and outlines both informal and formal complaints procedures. According to the B.D.F there is zero tolerance for this kind of abuse within the force. Here’s more from Olivera.

Major Lionel Olivera, Legal Officer, BDF 

Major Lionel Olivera

“About seventy-five percent of those findings we have already started to make the necessary changes and amendments to our documents internally. The generation of the sexual harassment policy; the creation of the handbook for the purpose of persons coming into training and at the training school. We have also started to the campaign concerning sexual harassment throughout the force; more specifically we have started with the senior females and then at a smaller level the female soldiers that are currently located at this camp. However, there are intentions to do the entire tour of the country so that we could have them at the different location generating the same presentation. Essentially, the policy also addresses future plans for monitoring and evaluation. So, every year we should have the ability to identify how many cases would have been reported; does this policy need to be amended; and where we need to move or what do we need to do move forward. Is this working? Is this not working? So, all of this the policy has available within it and that is what we are educating everybody about. It seems to be only a one-sided thing as it relates to sex but the policy addresses both sides; both male and female.”