Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin has disclosed that Dominican Clement Joseph will assume the role of Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) beginning Monday, May 19.
“He is highly qualified, vastly experienced with a huge record of successes at all levels of court proceedings,” Sir Steadroy stated, expressing satisfaction with the appointment.
Joseph, a native of Marigot, Dominica, brings substantial legal credentials to the position, including an LLM, LLB (Honours), Legal Education Certificate (LEC), and BSc.
His professional background includes service as the Former Director of Public Prosecutions in Turks & Caicos Islands.
Before taking on the acting DPP role in Turks & Caicos in 2017, Joseph worked in the Dominican DPP’s office and previously served as a police officer in Dominica.
The search for a new DPP began following Anthony Armstrong’s departure in December 2022.
Armstrong, who had served as DPP since the early 2000s, retired amid criminal charges for professional misconduct brought by the General Legal Council in Jamaica.
Shannon Jones-Gittens has been serving as acting DPP since Armstrong’s departure but declined consideration for the permanent position due to personal commitments.
The position required candidates to possess at least 20 years of experience practicing in criminal courts, including the Magistrate’s Court, High Court, and Court of Appeal, with a minimum of 10 years at the Senior Crown Counsel level or equivalent.
