Unions frequently exercise their right to bargain collectively. In July 1998, the Public Employees Union initiated a strike following the government s refusal to negotiate plans for downsizing the country s large public sector. The judiciary is independent, and procedural safeguards are adequate, with a right of ultimate appeal in certain circumstances to the Privy Council in London. The constitution provides for an ombudsman s office to investigate claims of unfair treatment by the authorities, but its effectiveness is limited in practice by a lack of resources. There have been occasional reports of police abusing suspects.
Citizens are free to travel domestically and overseas.
Women face discrimination in education and employment opportunities, and authorities have not sufficiently addressed the problem of domestic violence.