KINGSTON, Jamaica— President of the People’s National Party Women’s Movement (PNP WM), Patricia Duncan Sutherland, has broken her silence amid sexual harassment allegations raised by PNP councillor for the Savanna-la-Mar division, Julian Chang, against Member of Parliament for Westmoreland Central, Dwayne Vaz.

“The People’s National Party Women’s Movement (PNP WM) President notes with concern the allegations made by Comrade Chang. These allegations first came to our attention when they were shared by Comrade Chang during a radio interview on Monday, January 26,” said Duncan Sutherland in a media release on Tuesday.

People’s National Party (PNP) councillor-elect for the Savanna-la-Mar Julian Chang.

She said the PNP WM is confident that the party will empanel its Independent Complaints Committee as per its bylaws (which emanate from the party’s Sexual Harassment Policy) and ensure that the matter is fully ventilated, investigated, and appropriate action taken.

“The Women’s Movement does not condone any form of sexual harassment or abuse. We continue to stand for a Jamaica that all citizens feel safe and empowered, especially our women, knowing that their concerns will be heard and dealt with fairly and appropriately, and we start with our party,” said Duncan Sutherland.

Dwayne Vaz

Allegations are that Vaz sent sexually explicit messages to Chang through WhatsApp.

After refusing the alleged sexual advances, Chang was reportedly blocked from meetings of the constituency executive.