PM Recommends Governor-General Extend DPP Service

A recommendation has been made to the Governor-General to extend the terms of service for the Director of Public Prosecutions for another three years. The recommendation was made by the Prime Minister amid objections for the extension by Leader of the Opposition, Dr. Peter Phillips.

Since the recent integrity report on Petrojam, there has been talking of corruption within the Jamaica Labour Party and People’s National Party. Politicians have been on edge ahead of pending general elections and there have been calls for some to resign. It is a matter that appears to be on the agenda for the opposition.

“We are not involved in any personal vendetta against anyone. Our concern is not about individuals. Our concern is about the principles of good governance which every self-respecting country has a right to expect,” according to Dr. Peter Phillips.

The Leader of the Opposition has now turned attention to the Director of Public Prosecution’s tenure – apparently objecting to an extension of her terms of service. In response, Prime Minister Andrew Holness says he has reviewed the arguments raised by Dr. Phillips and has been in discussions with the Governor-General.

“I have made a recommendation to his excellency the Governor-General for the extension of the service of the DPP for three years,” said Prime Minister Holness. “I won’t go any further into those discussions except to say that it was important to ensure that the office had enough time to prepare for transition and management and I believe the present DPP has done excellent work.”

Under Jamaica’s constitution, the Director of Public Prosecution’s tenure, before he or she turns 60, can be extended based on recommendations from the Prime Minister to the Governor-General after consultation with the Leader of the Opposition.

“It is unfortunate that this matter has reached into the public domain. It does have various levels of complications to the appointments.”