KINGSTON, Jamaica — Prominent human rights organization Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) has broken its customary silence on individual cases to address serious sexual misconduct allegations against Central Westmoreland parliamentarian Dwayne Vaz of the opposition People’s National Party (PNP). The advocacy group has called for immediate, transparent investigative procedures that uphold both legal standards and principles of accountability.
In an unusual Wednesday statement, JFJ explained that the gravity of the accusations—coupled with Vaz’s legislative position—necessitated commentary on broader governance principles. As an elected official, Vaz holds direct influence over gender equality legislation, workplace protection laws, and harassment prevention statutes, making proper accountability mechanisms critically important.
The allegations surfaced publicly through statements from Councillor Julian Chang, prompting JFJ to emphasize the necessity for robust institutional responses. The organization specifically referenced Jamaica’s Sexual Harassment (Protection and Prevention) Act of 2021, which categorizes unwelcome sexual advances that create hostile environments as unlawful conduct. The legislation mandates that organizations prevent harassment, conduct impartial investigations, protect complainants from retaliation, and provide redress pathways.
JFJ urged the PNP to immediately launch an internal investigation that demonstrates accountability, transparency, and fairness, noting that political parties must exemplify national legal standards. Simultaneously, the organization encouraged Councillor Chang to pursue formal complaints through appropriate channels where applicable, ensuring full legal protections and access to remedies.
While acknowledging Vaz’s public denial of the allegations, JFJ maintained that only evidence-based, impartial investigations can establish factual truths. The organization explicitly refrained from judging the allegations’ validity or any party’s culpability, instead emphasizing the necessity of due process for all involved.
JFJ reminded the public that sexual harassment constitutes a severe rights violation capable of causing substantial harm, cautioning against victim-blaming in public discourse. Concurrently, the organization reaffirmed that presumption of innocence remains a fundamental justice principle, entitling the accused to a fair and unbiased process.
The advocacy group concluded by urging the PNP to ensure active, impartial investigation without partisan alignment, stating such an approach is essential for cultivating a culture where harassment is neither tolerated nor minimized.