The incoming Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for Antigua and Barbuda, Clement Joseph, has expressed enthusiasm about his appointment and pledged to maintain independence from political influence in his new role.
In his first interview since the announcement of his appointment, Joseph told Q95 FM in his native Dominica that he is looking forward to the challenge of leading Antigua and Barbuda’s prosecution service.
“I feel great about the idea. I’m looking forward to it. I know it’s going to be challenging. I think I’m up to the challenge,” Joseph said. “Ever since I became a lawyer back in 2010, I have worked in prosecution in Dominica, Turks and Caicos Islands, and even while in Barbados.”
The new DPP made a firm commitment to uphold the law without political interference.
“If the government comes with something that is lawful, then fine, [but 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,” he explained.
“The office of the Director of Public Prosecution is not an investigative arm. The police, the law enforcement agencies, the Customs and Immigration — those types of agencies are the ones who investigate cases,” he added.
The incoming DPP stated that he has been “guaranteed” his independence in the role and not “used as a political stooge.”
Joseph attributes his appointment to his dedication to the legal profession over the years.
“It was a combination of what I believe is hard work over the years, getting involved in so many different principles of law through cases that I prosecuted at Magistrates, High Court and the courts of appeal, both in the OECS and Turks and Caicos Islands,” he said.
He 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 and Caicos Islands.
Before taking on the acting DPP role in Turks and Caicos in 2017, Joseph worked in Dominica’s DPP’s office and previously served as a police officer in Dominica.
The search for a new DPP in Antigua and Barbuda began following Anthony Armstrong’s departure in December 2022 amid criminal charges for professional misconduct brought by the General Legal Council in Jamaica.
Shannon Jones-Gittens had been serving as acting DPP since Armstrong’s departure, but declined consideration for the permanent position due to personal commitments.
