Claudette Thompson assumes the role of Jamaica’s Acting Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) effective Monday, April 22, following the departure of Paula Llewellyn amid contentious circumstances after her 16-year tenure.
Thompson’s appointment by the Public Service Commission (PSC), announced by the Ministry of Justice on Monday, comes as she transitions from her previous role as Senior Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions within the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Governor General Sir Patrick Allen approved Thompson’s appointment upon the recommendation of the PSC. The Justice Ministry issued a brief statement expressing confidence in Thompson’s extensive experience and unwavering commitment to justice, extending congratulations and best wishes for her service to the nation.
Llewellyn relinquished her position following a Constitutional Court ruling on April 19, which deemed her second tenure extension, granted last year following a constitutional amendment, as unconstitutional. A statement from the Attorney General’s Chambers confirmed Llewellyn’s inability to carry out her duties at present.
The government intends to appeal the court’s decision as it navigates the legal ramifications of Llewellyn’s departure and seeks to ensure continuity within the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Thompson’s career so far
Claudette Thompson has almost two decades of experience as a prosecutor.
She obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations from The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus. She got a Bachelor of Laws Degree from the University of Wolverhampton in the UK and her Certificate of Legal Education from the Norman Manley Law School.
Thompson was clerk of the court in St Ann in 2004, before becoming Assistant Crown Counsel at the ODPP in 2007.
She featured in the murder conviction of Dontae Brooks, who is the incarcerated son of dancehall deejay Mavado. She also featured prominently in the conviction of major Klansman gang Leader Tesha Miller for accessory after the fact to murder. Miller was convicted in 2019 in connection with the murder of former JUTC chairman Douglas Chambers.
She also featured prominently in the anti-gang case which led to the conviction of the boss of the One Don faction of the Klansman Gang, Andre Bryan last year.
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