Clement Joseph, new Director of Public Prosecutions (photo by Social Media)
Newly appointed Director of Public Prosecutions Clement Joseph has firmly asserted his commitment to maintaining the independence of his office, declaring “I’ve been guaranteed that I will not be tried to be used as a political stooge” in his first interview since accepting the position.
The veteran prosecutor, who will assume office next Monday, May 19, emphasized to Q95 FM’s Matt Peltier Jr. that his constitutional role requires him to operate without political influence.
“[I will be a] DPP for the law,” Joseph stated, explaining his approach to the position. “If the government comes with something that is lawful, then fine. If the government comes with something that is unlawful, then it is my duty constitutionally to advise the government as to the legality of any criminal action that they think should be done.”
Joseph, who hails from Marigot, Dominica, brings an impressive legal background to the role, including multiple advanced degrees and diverse prosecutorial experience.
His appointment concludes an extensive search process following former DPP Anthony Armstrong’s departure amid allegations of professional misconduct in Jamaica.
“Ever since I became a lawyer back in 2010, I have worked in prosecution, Dominica, Turks and Caicos Islands, and even while at Barbuda, it was concentrated on financial crimes,” Joseph explained, highlighting his extensive experience before being elevated to the acting DPP position in Turks and Caicos in 2017.
Good! It’s what ALL decent law-abiding citizens of Antigu and Barbuda desire.
Your first test is to investigate cutie Benjamin.. let’s see how good you are at not being influenced by the government
I don’t think so
I’ve always known you to have ethics. Don’t believe you have changed in that regard. All the best
You cannot survive in Antigua unless you are political. It is that simple. So you may come with an opened mind but when they are done with you….you will find out
I guess he doesn’t realize that he is in Antigua. Money and politics are what speak loud here–you’re either with the government in power as their puppet or you don’t. The TopDog is the law and constitution in Antigua and Barbuda —what he says goes. Another thing, I thought Ms Marshall was going to be the new DPP.
All the best to my Dominican Padnas. I hope you do a good job oui and no koshonie