Claudette Thompson appointed acting DPP

By Kimone Witter     

 

Senior Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Claudette A. Thompson, is the acting DPP.

 

Her appointment takes effect today.

 

Ms. Thompson's selection was approved by Governor General Sir Patrick Allen, upon the recommendation of the Public Service Commission.

 

A statement from the Ministry of Justice said Ms. Thompson brings with her a wealth of experience and dedication to the pursuit of justice.

 

A statement from the Attorney General's Chambers on Sunday said that, due to the ambiguity and the consequent uncertainty arising from the Constitutional Court's judgment on Friday, Paula Llewellyn, who had held the post of DPP since 2008, had advised that she was unable to carry out the functions of her office at this time.

 

The Full Court struck down Section 2(2) of the Constitution (Amendment of Sections 96(1) and 121(1)) Act, 2023, under which Ms. Llewellyn elected to continue in office. The court declared that section unconstitutional, null, void and of no effect.

 

The AG's Chambers reaffirmed that an appeal will be filed before the Appeal Court, challenging aspects of the ruling.