DPP to get three-year extension of tenure
Published:Wednesday | July 8, 2020 | 12:00 AM
Prime Minister Andrew Holness has recommended to the Governor General that the tenure of Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Paula Llewellyn be extended by three years.
The Opposition Leader Dr Peter Phillips had objected to the extension after September this year when Llewellyn was due to retire at 60 years old.
At a press conference this morning, Holness told journalists that Llewellyn has performed well over her 12 years in office.
WATCH: Prime Minister @AndrewHolnessJM says the three-year extension of the tenure of DPP Paula Llewellyn will give her office enough time to prepare for transition and management. pic.twitter.com/nlEQX20liZ
— Jamaica Gleaner (@JamaicaGleaner) July 8, 2020
On Tuesday, The Gleaner revealed that on May 21, Phillips wrote to King’s House expressing “strenuous objection” to the extension.
Among other things, Phillips claimed that there were many deficiencies at the DPP’s office and that Jamaica’s alleged reputation for corruption grew during Llewellyn’s tenure because she did not do enough corruption-related prosecutions.
READ: PNP says time’s up for DPP
But Holness has countered saying the DPP has done a “fairly good” job in strengthening the office that’s responsible for criminal prosecutions on behalf of the Government
He also said he was not convinced by Phillips' argument that an incoming political administration should not be tied to a serving DPP.
"It is unfortunate that this matter has reached into the public domain. It does add various levels of complications to the appointment," Holness said.
Llewellyn, the first woman to hold the post of DPP, has served across four political administrations.
The Prime Minister says he will be considering whether to seek to amend the constitutionally mandated retirement age of 60 years for the Director of Public Prosecution. pic.twitter.com/OLMwOojCox
— Jamaica Gleaner (@JamaicaGleaner) July 8, 2020
The constitution states that before a DPP turns 60, his/her tenure may be extended by the governor general acting on the recommendation of the prime minister after consultation with the Leader of the Opposition.
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