The People’s National Party (PNP) has criticized the Southern Regional Health Authority (SRHA) for suspending Dr. Aujae Dixon, a medical doctor who contested the Clarendon North Central seat in the September 3, 2025 general elections.
Dr. Dixon was interdicted under Public Service Staff Order 4.2.6(1), which prohibits public officers from engaging in partisan political activity. However, the PNP argues that the move violates his constitutional rights to freedom of expression and association.
Opposition Spokesperson on Justice, Zuleika Jess, denounced the decision as undermining democracy, warning that such actions could discourage civic engagement among public servants. The PNP has demanded Dr. Dixon’s reinstatement and called for a review of Jamaica’s public service regulations.
The party also referenced recent legal rulings in Barbados that struck down similar staff orders as unconstitutional, urging Jamaica to follow suit.
Dr. Dixon ran against Jamaica Labour Party candidate Robert Nesta Morgan but was unsuccessful in flipping the Clarendon North Central seat. His suspension has reignited debate over whether Jamaica’s current staff orders strike the right balance between political neutrality and fundamental rights.