Minister Garcia-Ramirez Lends Support to U.B. Students

Just before news time, we spoke with the Minister of Human Development, Thea Garcia-Ramirez, who confirmed that her ministry is offering support to the alleged victims from the University of Belize. She also revealed that the Office of the Attorney General will provide legal aid to the students. Before you hear her comments, it’s important to note that we have made multiple attempts to contact Doctor Pio Saqui for his response, but our calls and messages have gone unanswered. Here’s what Minister Garcia-Ramirez had to say.

 

On the Phone: Thea Garcia Ramirez, Minister of Human Development

“Earlier this week, we received a letter from a spokesperson alleging to be speaking on behalf of a couple of young women students from the University. We take all of these incidents very seriously. We reached out via the spokesperson to see if they wanted our support and how it is that we could help. Up to today, the end of business day, four women have come forward with allegations of sexual harassment and impropriety against the faculty member of UB. So, our ministry and our social workers have been in communication and are lending support. We have to understand that it takes a lot of courage and bravery to come forward and make these allegations. My belief and understanding is that they have formally written to the University of Belize to make these allegations more formal. I cannot confirm whether or not the police have been brought into the matter. I am not sure whether or not the young ladies will seek to make a report, which is their right to do so or not do so as they see fit.”