GUYANA Public Service Union (GPSU) women members have expressed outrage over the recent accusation of sexual harassment of a female member against Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region 3 (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara), Donald Gajraj.

Addressing media representatives at the GPSU headquarters on Regent Road and Shiv Chanderpaul Drive, Georgetown, on Tuesday, Acting General Secretary, Debrah Murphy said they have made several proposals to deal with the issue that recently came to their knowledge.
According to her, the alleged victim had been appointed by the Public Service Commission (PSC), as an Accounts Clerk 3 in the Regional Accounting Unit of Region 3 but has since been transferred to the West Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH).
Murphy said the GPSU is demanding that the matter be investigated by Public Service Minister, Dr. Jennifer Westford and they are in the process of sending a letter to her as well as various functionaries who have responsibility to address the matter.
In addition, they are demanding that both the REO and the Deputy REO be removed from office during the investigation and are seeking endorsement and support from national women’s organisations, such as the Women’s Progressive Organisation (WPO) and Red Thread.

VERY SERIOUSLY
Murphy asserted that the GPSU women, supported by the men, take this most recent incident very seriously and are also asking the public at large to be supportive of their action.
Meanwhile, also speaking on the issue, GPSU Second Vice-President, Dawn Gardener said the union commenced a probe into the allegation since it was reported to them and the complainant also made a report to the police who are investigating, as well.
Gardener said, while the victim was sent on transfer to the WDRH, there is no position there for an Accounts Clerk 3, neither has she been appointed to a higher post.
As such, she has been, with their encouragement, reporting for duty every day but has nothing to do and the union wants her moved back to her original position.
Gardener maintained that, in order for an objective investigation to be done, the accused should be taken away from his position, because he may be able to tamper with evidence and the inquiry will not be a fair one.
She added that the union’s investigation has revealed that some of the employees at the Regional Accounting Unit are afraid of victimisation and are, therefore, afraid to give written statements
Gardener said reports were also made to other senior officers within the region but those persons, too, are fearful they would be victimised if they speak out.
She said the union strongly believes it is time to put an end to sexual harassment in the Public Service.
Meanwhile, the embattled Region 3 official has denied allegations that he sexually harassed a female employee of the regional administration.
Gajraj is reported in the Stabroek News as saying the claims by the victim are “fallacious” and were likely made by the woman after she learned of plans to transfer her. The REO is reported to have said the woman’s behaviour had become intolerable, hence the decision to move her.