New temporary DPP soon to be appointed

THE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY was told last week Thursday, August 7, 2025, about the temporary appointment of “an experienced priate-sector lawyer” as Acting Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for the period September, 1 to December, 31, 2025.

Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves informed the House on Thursday that Acting Attorney General, Grenville Williams had tendered formal advice to the Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, who chairs the Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission, to facilitate the temporary appointment.

The Prime Minister said this interim appointment follows the temporary eleva- tion of the current Direc- tor of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Sejilla McDowall, to the Bench as a High Court Judge, assigned for six months in Dominica.

The Prime Minister noted that depending on developments during her tenure, a permanent appointment may need to be considered in due course through the established consultative process.

He assured that the Office of the DPP will be well resourced and supported during this interim period and beyond.

He also addressed public speculation regarding recent resignations by a small num- ber of junior staff within the DPP’s office. He urged the public and commentators to avoid unfounded speculation, emphasizing that neither

the Attorney General nor the Minister of Legal Affairs had been consulted by those making public claims.

“I would just urge that persons be circumspect and don’t speculate on this or that. I see all the speculation, and no one has asked the Attorney General, and no one has asked the Minister of Legal Affairs so I advise, for the purposes of good governance, not to create any sense of disquiet.There’s no reason for that, absolutely none,” the Prime Minister commented in Parliament, while adding that there is no cause for alarm regarding the continuity or capacity of the DPP’s Office.

He said that all necessary steps are being taken to ensure effective functioning during this period of transition.