Investigation Recommends Firing Belmopan Official Over Sexual Harassment Allegations

A case of sexual harassment at the Belmopan City Council has led to a multi-agency investigation that supports allegations against Local Economic Development Officer Efrain Novelo and recommends the termination of his employment. The formal inquiry was initiated following a report from a female traffic officer detailing an incident of unwanted physical contact on the night of July 12. To ensure a fair and comprehensive review, the Council assembled a joint investigating team made up of Human Resource Manager Sharole Carr, Union Representative Tricia Pelayo, and Deputy Director Cynthia Williams from the Ministry of Human Development, Family Support, and Gender Affairs. According to the final investigation report, the team conducted multiple interviews with victims, staff, municipal management, and Novelo himself. Although Novelo denied the allegations, claiming they were fabricated as retaliation for his past involvement in Traffic Department disciplinary actions or an attempt at extortion, the panel found no evidence to substantiate his claims of a coordinated plot.  Instead, the panel found the primary complainant’s account to be materially corroborated by contemporaneous disclosures, direct observations of her emotional distress, and venue verification. The investigation further uncovered a broader pattern of reported conduct affecting several female employees, who gave separate accounts of unwanted personal invitations, requests for physical affection, close monitoring via workplace surveillance cameras, and references to hiring and firing authority.  In a public statement posted to social media, Novelo confirmed he has hired a legal team to address the matter. “My commitment going forward is to remain in this fight against blatant injustices in the workplace, particularly towards people (regardless of rank) who are genuinely focused on eliminating waste and corruption at work,” Novelo stated, adding that his legal team will handle the situation regarding his employer, the media, and his accusers.   Emphasizing that full due process and administrative fairness must be applied, the investigating team recommended formal termination of employment. Additional recommendations include immediately auditing workplace surveillance camera access, establishing an independent confidential reporting mechanism, and reviewing how earlier complaints were handled by senior management.