By Saskia Warrick
The Ministry of Social Security and Human Services held its final public consultation earlier today on the new draft bill aimed at providing robust protections against harassment and sexual harassment.
This proposed legislation brings the country closer to formalizing legal safeguards while considering Guyana’s unique cultural context.
The draft bill, which has undergone several revisions, seeks to clearly define harassment and establish mechanisms for addressing it.
Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, highlighted how the bill draws inspiration from international models but is adapted to address Guyana’s specific needs.
Dr. Persaud emphasized the importance of ensuring that the law respects local sensibilities while offering protection to individuals from various forms of harassment.
Deputy Chief Parliamentary Counsel, Joann Bond, outlined a key feature of the bill—a tribunal designed specifically to handle sexual harassment complaints.
This tribunal aims to provide an accessible and fair process for addressing grievances, ensuring that victims have a proper avenue for seeking redress.
The bill defines harassment as conduct that causes harm or creates a reasonable belief that harm may occur, including actions such as stalking, following, or watching a person.
This new legislation is a significant step forward in strengthening the country’s legal framework for protecting citizens from harassment, ensuring a safer environment for all.