This follows a warning letter that Norbert received from the Teaching Service Commission, urging him to comply with the relevant provisions of the Staff Orders of the Public Service, which prohibit public officers from participating in political activities.

According to Norbert, who addressed a crowd of supporters at a June 22nd UWP public meeting, he is entitled to engage in political activity.

“They want to confuse the Saint Lucians, play on the intellect of our people, and that is what frustrates me to tell you that an endorsed candidate is already a nominated candidate when they know better. I am a teacher, I love education, I stand for truth, justice, and charity,” said Norbert.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, who is the political leader of the Saint Lucia Labour Party, commented on Norbert’s decision not to resign.

Said Pierre: “He is following the example he has been shown…[the last administration] ran the House for five years without a Deputy Speaker, until the Speaker fainted.”

According to s.4.16 of the Standing Orders of the Public Service:

“[Public] Officers are expressly forbidden from engaging in party political

activity at any time such as:

(a) holding office or taking active part in any political organization;

(b) engaging in publicly in political controversy or publicly criticizing the policy of the Government or individual Ministries;

(c) writing letters to the press, publishing books or articles, circulating leaflets or pamphlets or participating in radio or television broadcast on political matters;

(d) canvassing in support of political parties or in any way publicly supporting or indicating support for any political party or candidate.”