Dr. Aujae Dixon
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Halshane Burke reports
Lawyers representing People's National Party candidate Dr. Aujae Dixon have written to the Southern Regional Health Authority (SRHA), declaring that he plans to go to court to challenge his interdiction by SRHA following his participation in the September 3 general election.
The letter dated October 5 was submitted to the regional health authority on Monday.
The Southern Regional Health Authority sparked a firestorm last month when it served a notice of interdiction on Dr. Dixon, dated September 16, which has prevented him from working since.
The notice charges that he breached Public Sector Staff Order 4.2.6 (1), which the regional authority says expressly bars public servants from participating in politics at any level.
This followed his unsuccessful bid for the Clarendon North Central seat in the general election.
The People's National Party has condemned the decision to suspend Dr. Dixon, describing it as an egregious injustice and an affront to the principles of freedom of expression and association which are enshrined in the Constitution.
Trade unionists have also criticised the decision of SRHA.
Attorney Maurice McCurdy, who represents Dr. Dixon, said the decision to interdict his client is unlawful and violates Jamaica's Constitution.
In a letter to Nicolette Thomas-Edwards, Director of Human Resource Management at the Southern Regional Health Authority, Mr. McCurdy argued that the section of the Staff Orders used to suspend Dr. Dixon conflicts with the Charter of Rights and Fundamental Freedoms.
He said the SRHA's actions have breached Dr. Dixon's constitutional rights, including his freedom of thought, belief and association, as well as his right to fair and humane treatment under the law.
The attorney also claimed that restrictions placed on Dr. Dixon's movement violate his right to move freely within Jamaica and to live or travel where he chooses.
Mr. McCurdy said he has been instructed to take the matter to the Full Court, challenging the constitutionality of Dr. Dixon's suspension.
He also gave notice that he would be filing for an interim injunction in the Supreme Court to have Dr. Dixon reinstated and to lift the restrictions on his movement.
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