Tuesday, 19 September 2023 – The Cayman Islands Government has concluded round II of the public consultation period to discuss the proposed Sexual Harassment Bill, 2023. A town hall, as well as several district meetings, were held across Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac over the past four weeks to discuss the proposed Bill.

Photo caption: Stakeholders gather to discuss how the Sexual Harassment Bill will impact the business community. Back Row (L-R) Director of People and Culture, Kimpton Seafire, Valerie Hope and Executive Director Cayman Islands Tourism Association, Jay Ehrhart. Front Row (L-R) Human Resources Director, Ritz Carlton, Janette Goodman; General Manager, Thompson Development, Sharlene Brenkus; Senior Policy Analyst, Gender Affairs Unit, Karlene Bramwell and Deputy Chief Officer, Cabinet Office, Jason Webster.

The decision to hold the town hall and district meetings was to share some of the proposed changes to the White Paper based on the feedback received in round I and to facilitate some additional public consultation on the Bill, which is of national concern. This resulted in several stakeholders attending and participating in the events. “The Gender Affairs Unit is grateful to all the members of the public who took the time to join the conversation. We were able to have open and dynamic dialogue at the town hall and district meetings and to gather helpful feedback which will play a vital role in formulating the final iteration of the Bill which will go to Parliament,” said Karlene Bramwell, Senior Policy Analyst in the Gender Affairs Unit with the Cayman Islands Government. 

Senior Policy Analyst in the Gender Affairs Unit Karlene Bramwell presents the proposed Sexual Harassment Bill, 2023 to attendees in Cayman Brac. 

She added, “In general, there appears to be strong public support for this type of legislation. However, the challenge will be in the implementation and operationalisation of its provisions, as well as the cultural and attitudinal changes which will be required. It is important that public education continues as an ongoing effort.” 

The Sexual Harassment Bill seeks to provide individuals with protection from sexual harassment. It sets out requirements and duties for employers, institutions and associations. It also applies to charitable/not for profit organisations, employment agencies, persons involved in the transaction of goods, services, facilities, real or personal property as well as landlords and tenants. 

It is anticipated that the Bill will be presented to Parliament later this year.

Panellists Senior Policy Analyst in the Gender Affairs Unit Karlene Bramwell joined by Deputy Chief Officer, Portfolio of the Civil Service, Lauren Knight and Psychologist Alexandra Bodden during the town hall held in George Town on 15 August.