PNP Women’s Movement calls for party to probe allegations raised by Westmoreland councillor

The People’s National Party (PNP) Women’s Movement has expressed concern over allegations of sexual harassment raised by Councillor Julian Chang and has called for the party’s internal complaints process to be activated.

Chang, a PNP member, represents the Savanna-la-Mar Division in the Westmoreland Municipal Corporation. She has levelled the allegations against a party member.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Women’s Movement said the allegations first came to its attention during a radio interview given by Chang on Monday.

It did not outline details of the allegations or name the official.

"We are confident that the party will empanel its Independent Complaints Committee as per our by-laws (which emanate from the Party’s Sexual Harassment Policy) and ensure that the matter is fully ventilated and investigated and appropriate action taken," the group said.

The group also referenced the party’s Sexual Harassment Policy, which was approved at the PNP’s annual conference in 2018, noting that it "gives us the framework to deal with this matter".

“The Women’s Movement does not condone any form of sexual harassment or abuse,” the statement said.

The leadership of the opposition party has not commented on the issue.

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