Her Excellency the Deputy Governor, Anya Williams has issued a circular notice to all civil servants regarding the engagement of public officers in political activities.
The next General Election in the Turks and Caicos Islands will be held on Friday, 7th February 2025.
Voting is a privilege and a constitutionally protected democratic right that all willing and interested persons, including public servants, should freely exercise. However, public servants are reminded that as servants of the people, no matter your personal political persuasion, you are required to serve the government of the day in a politically impartial manner.
This ensures that there is no perceived or actual negative influence or bias in the delivery of government services and that the public service is not brought into disrepute.
In light of the upcoming election period, public servants are reminded of the following relevant sections from the Public Service Ordinance and the Public Service Handbook, which outline the expectations of political impartiality:
Public Service Ordinance:
Section 24:
- : An officer shall not engage in campaigning on behalf of a political party.
- : An officer shall neither represent a political party nor be a candidate for political office.
- : The Deputy Governor may, by notice, specify such additional restrictions on political activity by officers as may seem to him proportionate and appropriate for the preservation of the political neutrality of the public service.
Section 2.5.13:
Officers must not engage in political activities at any time on behalf of any party or candidate in an election to the Legislature. They must not act as agents, sub-agents, or canvassers at such elections. Political activities would include, but are not limited to, activities such as:
. Distributing leaflets about a political party or candidate;
. Wearing political badges or t-shirts or using other political paraphernalia;
• Sitting on a dais or stage at a political public meeting or conference.
Section 2.5.14:
Officers will not:
- Act as editor of any newspaper, magazine, periodical, or website or take part directly or indirectly in the management of such; or
- Contribute to or publish in any newspaper, magazine, periodical, or website (including blogs and other social media) anything which may be regarded as of a political or administrative nature; or
- Allow himself or herself to be interviewed on questions of public policy, or on any matter of a political or administrative nature or on matters affecting the administration or the security of the Islands; or
- Speak in any public broadcast in any way on matters which may be regarded as of a political or administrative nature; or
- Indulge in activities that would bring himself or herself or the public service into disrepute, and at all times shall discharge his or her duties and generally conduct himself or herself with integrity, impartiality, and honesty.
Guidelines for Political Activity During the Election Period:
Acceptable Participation:
- Attending political rallies as part of the crowd as a non-participative observer (without wearing a party colour or use of party paraphernalia) or as an online viewer (without using official social media accounts, liking, or commenting).
- Receiving campaign literature privately, but not displaying it publicly in CIG offices or on personal social media accounts, personal or company vehicles.
- Listening to political podcasts, radio shows, or similar content.
Meeting candidates privately to discuss their policies or ask questions.
Discussing political matters privately with family, friends, or in confidential settings.
Please be mindful of these policies, refer to the civil service handbook and act accordingly.
