Court halts interdiction of Dr Aujae Dixon pending outcome of constitutional challenge

The Constitutional Court has put the interdiction of medical doctor Aujae Dixon on hold pending the outcome of a legal challenge he has mounted.

Dixon was removed from his job at the May Pen Hospital in Clarendon by the Southern Regional Health Authority because of his participation in the September 3 general elections.

Justice Tricia Hutchinson-Shelly this morning granted an injunction halting the interdiction and disciplinary proceedings against Dixon until the case is heard.

With the interdiction paused, Dixon can resume his duties.

He has filed an application in the Constitutional Court challenging the constitutionality of the actions of the regional authority.

Dixon was served a notice of interdiction dated September 16, which has prevented him from working since September 17.

The notice alleges that he breached Public Sector Staff Orders Section 4.2.6(1), which the regional authority says expressly bars public servants from participating in politics at any level.

He ran as a candidate for the People’s National Party in Clarendon North Central.

However, Dixon has argued that the section of the Staff Orders used to trigger the interdiction is inconsistent with the Charter of Rights and Fundamental Freedoms.

Dixon, through his attorney, has argued that the Constitution guarantees the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and belief; the observance of political doctrines; as well as the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association.

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