Cayman Islands Deputy Governor, Franz Manderson, has issued an Administration Circular warning public servants that throughout the election campaign they MUST be impartial.

The circular, dated 12^th March 2013, sent to Honourable Attorney General, Financial Secretary, Cabinet Secretary, All Chief Officers, District Commissioner, CEOs of Statutory Authorities and Government Companies, Heads of Departments UnitG 31ld Sections, says:

SUBJECT: Political Activities of Civil Servants and Employees of Statutory

Authorities and Government Companies

As we near Election Day 2013, I want to remind all public servants that they shall maintain the highest standards of performance and professionalism throughout the period leading up to this day.

Officers should not undertake any activity that could call into question their political impartiality.

The dissolution of the Legislative Assembly does not affect the day-to-day business of Government. Ministers of the Cabinet retain responsibility for their Ministries until such time as the results of the election are made public.

The Public Servants Code of Conduct as contained in the Public Service Management Law provides guidance to all public servants on their involvement in political activities: –

Section 5 (c) A public servant must be politically neutral in his work and serve the government of the day in a way that ensures that he maintains the confidence of the government, while also ensuring that he is able to establish the same professional and impartial relationship with future governments;

However the public servant can be involved in certain political activities see below:

Section (d) A public servant, as a member of the public, has the right to be politically informed but must ensure that his participation in political matters  or public debate or discussions, does not conflict with his obligation as a public servant to be politically neutral

Officers should not provide information regarding the operation of government, policy initiatives, internal correspondence and management decisions made by the government of the day other than through the proper channels such as in compliance with the Freedom of Information Act, see below:

Section (h) A public servant must treat all official information and any dealings with the Governor, an Official Member or Minister as confidential, and, unless authorised to do so, must not give or disclose directly or indirectly, any information about official business or anything of which he has official knowledge.

Public Servants should not:

•          Be actively involved in political meetings by speaking, being on the platform, distributing   literature, writing political speeches   or any other activity that promotes political candidates or a political party.

•          Write letters to the press, give interviews to the media supporting political candidates or a political party.

•          Canvass or collect funds in support of political candidates or a political party

•          Hold an office in a political party

•          Place bumper stickers or other political advertising on government or private vehicles supporting political candidates or a political party

•          Use public resources to support political candidates or a political party. This includes, but is not limited to buildings, materials, information technology systems, telephones, fax, vehicles and officer’s time.

I would urge you all to exercise your democratic right on Election Day.

END