NTUCB Condemns Violence Against Woman Officer at San Ignacio Police Station
The National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB) has condemned the unwanted sexual touching and physical violence against a woman police officer at the San Ignacio Police Station in February 2024 and is demanding meaningful accountability.
The NTUCB noted the conviction of the officer’s former colleague, Durman Dawson, for harm. It said a colleague entrusted with upholding the law who is reported to have committed such acts represents a grave betrayal of dignity, duty and public trust.
“Every woman has the right to bodily autonomy. Every worker has the right to a safe workplace.”
The NTUCB also criticised the wait for a verdict, which it put at more than two years and eight months, citing public reporting. The union said protracted proceedings compound the distress of survivors and erode public confidence in access to justice.
“Justice delayed is justice diminished.”
The union pointed to the International Labour Organization’s Violence and Harassment Convention, 2019 (No. 190). It said the convention recognises that violence and harassment in the world of work can cause physical, psychological, sexual and economic harm, and that Article 1 specifically recognises sexual harassment as a form of gender-based violence and harassment.
The NTUCB said it respects the court’s independence in determining an appropriate sentence according to law. It said sentencing must give due weight to the seriousness of the offence proved, the victim impact evidence and any aggravating or mitigating factors established before the court.
The union said it stands in solidarity with the officer, Luanna Gillett, “as a woman, a worker and a police officer.” It called on all employers, including the Belize Police Department, to strengthen protections against sexual harassment, workplace violence and retaliation, and to give affected workers practical support.
“Sexual harassment is not a workplace misunderstanding. Unwanted sexual touching is not acceptable conduct. Abuse of authority is not a privilege.”
“Violence against women must never be normalised or tolerated.”