In our June 26, 2007 article, BU alluded to the important role which the Director of Public Prosecutors (DPP) must play to ensure that the scales of justice remain balanced in Barbados. Over the last 48 hours, Barbados Free Press published an article which highlighted the role the DPP office allegedly played in an ongoing court matter which involves a defendant by the name of Ronja Juman and the Plaintiff, Betcliff Inc., a company owned by the DPP and his wife. BU apologizes to the party who sent us the information to publish. We just had too many things happening to respond as promptly as Barbados Free Press did!
The role of the DPP is a very interesting one. It is recognized and protected under the Constitution of Barbados in a way which gives the occupant tremendous influence within the judicial system. The following information is extracted from The Constitution of Barbados, Section 101 and 105.
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The DPP is appointed by the Governor General, acting on the recommendation of the Judicial and Legal Service Commission
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The DPP can be removed from office only if the incumbent is unable to discharge functions of his office (arising from infirmity of body or mind or any other cause) or for mis-behaviour
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The DPP can only be removed from office by the Governor General if the matter is transferred to a tribunal appointed under Section 105 of the Constitution of Barbados. If the tribunal recommends removal then :-
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The Governor General will appoint a tribunal which shall consist of a Chairman and not less than two other members, selected by the Governor General acting under the advice of the Chief Justice from among attorneys-at-law who have practiced for not less than 10 years and from among persons who hold or have held the office of judge of a court having unlimited jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters in the Commonwealth, or a court having jurisdiction in appeals from any court
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The tribunal after its investigation should submit its report to the Governor General with its recommendation on whether the DPP should be removed
There is the misguided notion in Barbados that prominent people appointed or elected to certain positions should not be placed under the microscope, or held accountable for their performance and or mis-behavior. It is interesting to note that in Barbados BU cannot recall any significant holders of positions appointed by the Governor General being dismissed. It is time Barbadians understand that our passive approach to not place key officers in our government and civil society under the microscope is a recipe for encouraging under-performance or mis-behavior.
The blogmaster invites you to join the discussion.