KINGSTON, Jamaica— A Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) senior officer who is said to be at the centre of sexual harassment allegations has been recalled from training overseas to enable further investigation, the JDF said.

It added in a statement that when the officer returns, appropriate disciplinary proceedings will also begin.

It is alleged that the senior officer raped more than 16 females at Up Park Camp, the JDF headquarters in St Andrew, and promoted those who kept quiet.

READ: JDF investigating sexual assault claim against officer

“Since taking office in January 2022, I’ve been strident in my stance against any act of Sexual Harassment involving any service member within the JDF, regardless of their gender,” said Rear Admiral Antonette Wemyss Gorman, Chief of Defence Staff of the JDF.

“The situation involving multiple reports against the accused is an indication that service members recognise that the JDF is serious about any breach against the Sexual Harassment (Prevention) Policy (whether verbal, nonverbal, physical, written, visual or graphic) which was crafted during my tenure as Force Executive Officer (FXO) in 2018,” she added.

The JDF said that it remains keen on protecting the complainant’s confidentiality to reduce any opportunity for victimisation or legal mismanagement of the investigation.

Rear Admiral Wemyss Gorman went on to encourage individuals with information to come forward.

“I am encouraging any service member or civilian that has information with regards to this investigation or any other breach of the Sexual Harassment Policy or any other policy to come forward and make a formal report,” she continued.

Reports can be made to the Inspector General Department, HQ JDF at 876-836-2158 or via email at igdept@hotmail.com.