The Defence Board of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) has called for the resignation of a military officer who is accused of sexual misconduct.
In a statement, the JDF said its probe, which began in October, found that the senior military officer breached its Sexual Harassment (Prevention) Policy 2018 and the Personal Relationships and Fraternisation Policy.
All victims have been advised of their right to make official reports to the civil police, the JDF informed.
Arising from the completion of the internal probe, the “Defence Board has since called for the resignation of the officer which will result in the termination of all benefits post service,” the JDF stated.
The force explained that the decisions taken are based on the sexual harassment policy, which details specific actions to be taken if those culpable are proven to be in breach of the policy.
“The JDF reiterates its zero tolerance for actions that are in breach of its policies and continues to implore service members and civilians who are aware of any breach of any policy to use the approved processes to report them,” it adds.
Reports had emerged in October that several female soldiers had reported, among other things, that they had been fondled and raped.
There were also instances of unwanted advances from the male soldier in question, who, to date, has not been identified.
The JDF member was subsequently recalled from a military training in the United Kingdom, to facilitate the investigation into the allegations.
