(CMR) Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Bernie Bush has issued a written apology to a female civil servant who was left traumatized after he reportedly commented about the size of his penis and grabbed his crotch in her presence.
CMR was made aware of the incident a few months ago but had respected the wishes of the victim to hold off on publishing. At the time, she said she was consulting with her attorney and undergoing counseling. The woman also said she was giving Bush the opportunity to apologize. It is understood that Bush initially refused to apologize, insisting it was a joke.
He has now issued a written apology; however, the woman does not believe his apology is genuine as “he still insisted on making it a point that I couldn't take a joke.”
The female said Bush asked her to lend him $5 and then proceeded to make sexual remarks about why he wanted the money. She stated:
“I said, ‘You need $5 Mr. Bush. I can certainly lend it to you, and you can bring it back for me later.' He said, ‘Yeah lemma dah 5 dollars I need to buy a small pack of condoms because the ones I tried on (grabbing penis) last night was too big and falling off, I gah need some small ones, cause you know I gah a small d**k'.”
The woman said she reported the matter to the RCIPS; however, the police said there was no report of the incident.
Ironically, this incident of sexual harassment by a Government Minister, and one in charge of youth, comes at a time when Premier Wayne Panton is pushing for the advancement of the Sexual Harassment Bill.
The government held a series of town hall meetings recently to get the public's feedback on the Bill.
The government said the Sexual Harassment Bill seeks to provide for the prevention of sexual harassment through a stand-alone piece of legislation. It sets out requirements and duties for employers, institutions, and associations, as well as members of qualifying bodies, associations, and charitable/not-for-profit organizations. It also sets out requirements for employment agencies, persons involved in the transaction of goods, services, facilities, real or personal property, landlords and tenants, and relevant third parties.
- Fascinated
- Happy
- Sad
- Angry
- Bored
- Afraid