GTUC Puts Workplace Sexual Harassment Under Spotlight

By Mark DaCosta- Sexual harassment in the workplace is not simply a private workplace matter—it is a serious issue of safety, dignity, power and workers’ rights. The issue has taken on added significance in Guyana following allegations of rape and threatening behaviour against Deputy Commissioner of Police Fazil Karimbaksh, head of the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), which are currently under investigation.

The case underscores why workers must understand the protections available to them and why allegations of sexual misconduct, particularly where there are significant power imbalances, must be taken seriously and handled through credible, fair and transparent processes. Guyana has legislation that provides avenues for workers to challenge discriminatory and harassing conduct, making public education about these rights essential.

The Guyana Trade Union Congress (GTUC) published an insightful examination on October 4, 2026, highlighting the vital importance of understanding and utilising these protective laws, specifically the Prevention of Discrimination Act, Cap. 99:08. This legislation clearly delineates sexual harassment, extending its purview to the public and private sectors alike. According to the Act, harassment manifests not only as overt physical actions but also through a range of unwanted sexual behaviours tied to employment conditions. Such treatment can contribute to a hostile work environment, which is never acceptable.