KINGSTON, Jamaica— The University of the West Indies (UWI) sexual harassment policy is to add an estimated $14 million to the institution’s salary bill, according to principal and professor Densil Williams.

Speaking at the university’s sexual harassment policy launch on Wednesday, Williams noted that despite the hefty price tag, there were “$14 million reasons” to implement such a policy.

“That added $14 million to our salary bill, some people would say, wow, that’s a huge cost. But there’s 14 million reasons why we must do it. Because it is something that is very important to the harmonious relationship within our community,” said Williams.

Williams went on to explain that the policy’s implementation meant that the UWI had to employ a sexual harassment coordinator among other human resources to ensure compliance.

“We have to now have a sexual harassment coordinator. And we now have to have a kind of a portfolio of work that is going to ensure that we stick to the policy; that we make sure that all complaints are properly investigated and all procedures on all parties are properly treated and given justice accordingly,” added Williams.

“We do not take discrimination lightly. We do not take things like inequity and things to do with discrimination generally [lightly]. We have in our strategic plan, a core value of diversity and that speaks to who we are as a community. And so we want to ensure that as we continue to build a harmonious working relationship, we respect the tenants of diversity, equity and inclusion,” the principal said.

Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange, also in attendance at the event, commended the university for taking a critical first step, as she encouraged other entities to follow suit to ensure greater compliance with the legislation.

“I want to congratulate the university for ensuring that your policy was completed and presented before the deadline, the end of June. I want to indicate to other institutions and the private sector that they should follow your example. And make sure by the end of June, they have their policy in place,” said Grange

Grange further explained that the Sexual Harassment Protection and Prevention Act was gender neutral and would help to improve behaviour, communications and conduct among people.