Angostura rejects sexual harassment claims

Angostura Holdings Limited (Angostura) has rejected outright the “misguided and inaccurate” comments made about the dismissal of a sexual harassment complaint by one of its female executives against company chairman Dr Rolph Balgobin.

Balgobin was cleared of any wrongdoing in September in a report by Rolston Nelson, SC. The retired Justice of the Caribbean Court of Justice and former Justice of Appeal of the Supreme Court of TT was hired by Angostura to, “review the available information and advise on whether the complaint of sexual harassment was made out.”

In a full-page newspaper ad, Angostura said it noted several interventions in the media about the outcome of the almost year-long investigation.

The company argued that the aim of these interventions was to, “suggest and assert without foundation that the complaint was not thoroughly and independently reviewed.”

Reiterating that the investigation into the November 3, 2016 – complaint made under terms of the Angostura Whistleblower Policy – the company said the investigation and consideration given to the complaint was and remains consistent with its highest tradition of commitment to excellence, transparency and accountability.

“Angostura therefore regrets the unfortunate dissemination of inaccurate information regarding its handling of this matter. We have taken more than 194 years to build our legacy and have simultaneously marketed TT to the world.”

“Sexual harassment is a nefarious practice which far too often mars the landscape of workplace relations. We all have a part to play in excising this debilitating blight which does incalculable harm to both women and men, and to which female employees are particularly vulnerable.”

Angostura said it will take decisive action to address any such complaints, “as we have demonstrated in our treatment of the instant complaint.” Among the facts of the investigation shared by Angostura was that an independent three-member committee was established by the board in January 2017 and mandated to investigate the complaint and produce a report on or before February 14, 2017.

However as of September, “with no report yet delivered and with escalating costs, the mandate of the investigating committee was terminated” and Nelson hired. Given the “thorough examination of the matter and his reasoned approach,” Angostura said its board accepted Nelson’s recommendations and dismissed the complaint.

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