Time for a Rethink: Should Saint Lucia’s Civil Servants Still Be Silenced by Outdated Staff Orders?

In a modern democracy like ours, it's time we start asking tough questions—especially about rules that feel more colonial than constitutional. One such rule is buried in the Staff Orders governing Saint Lucia’s public sector workers and civil servants. It’s a rule that forbids these individuals from speaking out, engaging in political debate, or even running for office—unless they resign their jobs first.

That’s right. A nurse, teacher, or clerk who dreams of entering politics must walk away from their livelihood just to participate in the democratic process. And if they so much as criticize the government on a public platform or attend a political meeting, they could be penalized or even dismissed.

Let’s unpack that.

What Do the Rules Say?

According to Saint Lucia’s Staff Orders, civil servants are banned from:

Criticizing the government publicly

Publishing or broadcasting anything political or administrative

Participating in any political organization or campaigning

Supporting a political party in any public or obvious way

Running for elected office while still in the public service

If a public servant wants to be a candidate in an election, they must resign—no leave of absence, no middle ground.

Why Were These Rules Created?

The idea was to keep the civil service neutral. Politicians may come and go, but public servants are meant to serve whichever government is in office. That’s a valid principle.

But let’s be real: these rules were designed in a colonial context where “neutrality” often meant silencing dissent. They weren’t built for societies where free speech, civic engagement, and democracy are cornerstones of progress.

Why the Rules Feel Outdated in 2025

In an age where we encourage people to speak out, raise awareness, and be politically conscious, these regulations feel like a muzzle. They treat every act of personal expression—whether it’s liking a political post, writing a blog, or speaking at a community meeting—as a breach of professionalism.

Let’s not forget the human cost. A teacher who wants to serve their community as an MP must walk away from years of hard-earned job security. A health worker with real insight into policy is barred from contributing unless they give up their career.

That’s not democracy. That’s exclusion.

What Needs to Change

We’re not suggesting civil servants become campaigners while on the clock. But a modern update could strike a balance by:

✅ Clearly defining what constitutes political activity

✅ Allowing public servants to express personal opinions (with disclaimers)

✅ Permitting leave of absence instead of forced resignation

✅ Applying stricter neutrality rules only to top-tier civil servants

Other countries have already modernized their codes. In many democracies, civil servants can run for office, provided they step aside temporarily or avoid using their position to gain an advantage. Why not Saint Lucia?

Final Thoughts

Saint Lucia is maturing politically and socially. But we can't keep civil servants trapped under outdated, one-size-fits-all rules designed for a bygone era. It’s time to rewrite the Staff Orders—not to politicize the public service, but to align it with democratic values of freedom, fairness, and full participation.

Silence should never be a condition of service in a free society.

What’s your take? Should public servants be allowed to speak out and run for office without losing their jobs? Let the conversation begin.