Llewellyn rebuffs criticism about her decisions as DPP

 

As she prepares to demit office on Friday, Director of Public Prosecution Paula Llewellyn has suggested that criticism that there was an apparent reluctance on her part to prosecute alleged high-flying members of the society, including politicians, was an attempt to misguide the public. 

 

Ms. Llewellyn has previously stated that whenever recommendations are made to the DPP's office, they are carefully studied before determination is made as to whether a case should be prosecuted. 

 

Addressing the matter on Power Talk on Power 106 on Wednesday, Ms. Llewellyn said the spread of misinformation about her decisions was due to her independent thinking and unwillingness to be controlled by power dynamics.

 

"Remember, I am operating as the first woman in an arena previously inhabited by the patriarchy.... There was a time when I wouldn't say decision, but the relationships of persons in high office revolved around drinking, playing dominoes, being a part of the launch, having hair on your chest, and I have none of those. I only had my brain and my integrity. So enter Paula Llewellyn, where there is no aspect of the patriarchy, whether in the media or in the political sphere, who could claim ownership or control. So what do they do, or elements do, spread misinformation to a public in Jamaica who doesn't necessarily like to read," she contended.  

 

Ms. Llewellyn has served as Director of Public Prosecutions for 17 years.