No laws provide for sexual harassment in beauty pageants – Chief Justice (ag) – Guyana Times International

Sexual harassment in beauty pageants does not come under any category in the legislation. That was disclosed by Acting Chief Justice Roxane George as she responded to a question from a curious member of the audience at a recent forum where discussions were being held on the issue.
The Chief Justice said, “Sexual harassment in beauty pageants, it doesn’t fall under any of the categories that are in the legislation right now”.
She explained that in those cases, most times the pageant is just called off and the affected persons are encouraged to speak out about it. Persons contend that, in such cases, there is no justice for the contestants who are victims. The Guyana Times heard that it is more of a punishment to the contestants, since under those circumstances, the pageants are usually cancelled.
In April last, the most anticipated Miss Linden Beauty Pageant was cancelled two weeks before the signature event, after allegations surfaced of sexual misconduct perpetrated on a delegate by a popular Linden businessman while the delegate was seeking sponsorship. The decision to quash the pageant was taken by the Linden Mayor and Town Council (LMTC). LTW Project Coordinator Devin Sears told Guyana Times Entertainment that most councillors voted against the hosting of the pageant.
The incident allegedly took place at the businessman’s home on March 3, 2018. The incident was being investigated by the Police.
Former Linden Mayor Carwyn Holland called for the pageant to be cancelled following the revelation of sexual exploitation. Holland, who is no stranger to pageantry, is well aware of the consequences of such an allegation, and thought it fit to make representation to call off the pageant.
He described the incident as disturbing, and urged young women in pageantry to lift their heads high as they are ambassadors of the communities they represent.