Paula Llewellyn prepares to step down after 17 years as Jamaica’s top prosecutor

After nearly two decades of public service, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Paula Llewellyn is preparing to demit office in September 2025, marking the end of a historic 17-year run as Jamaica’s chief prosecutor. At 64 years old, Llewellyn will retire upon reaching the constitutional age limit of 65 — capping a career that has left a lasting imprint on the country’s legal landscape.

Appointed in 2008, Paula Llewellyn was the first woman to serve as DPP and the longest-serving person to hold the post. Her tenure has been defined by both landmark prosecutions and bold efforts to increase public engagement with the justice system. Under her leadership, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) took on a more transparent role — offering public updates, legal explanations, and consistent communication with the media, especially in high-profile cases.

Among the most notable matters handled during her time in office were the Vybz Kartel murder trial, which resulted in the controversial conviction of the popular dancehall artiste; the extradition of Christopher “Dudus” Coke, which sparked national upheaval and international attention; and the Trafigura Beheer probe, which tested the limits of political accountability and cross-border legal cooperation. Her office also faced setbacks, including the collapse of the Cuban light bulb case and the acquittal of alleged members of the Stone Crusher gang, which fueled debate over prosecutorial discretion and evidence integrity.

Llewellyn’s career came under sharp national focus in 2024, when the Constitutional Court ruled that a second extension of her tenure was “unconstitutional, null and void”. That ruling prompted her to step aside in April 2024, paving the way for Senior Deputy DPP Claudette Thompson to act in her place. However, in December 2024, the Court of Appeal overturned the earlier ruling, clearing the way for Llewellyn to resume her duties and complete her service until her 65th birthday in September 2025.

As her departure approaches, legal professionals are calling for a transparent and principled selection process for her successor. The Office of the Services Commissions (OSC) advertised the position in May 2025. The successful candidate must have at least 10 years of experience prosecuting criminal cases, a law degree, and a Legal Education Certificate. The role also carries responsibility for mutual legal assistance and extradition, with an annual salary ranging from $17.7 million to $20 million, plus applicable allowances.

Senior Deputy DPP Claudette Thompson, who led the office during Llewellyn’s brief hiatus, is widely viewed as a strong contender for the role. During her acting tenure, she earned praise for her management of the office and her ability to command respect from both sides of the Bar.

As the country prepares for this rare transition, Llewellyn’s legacy — one of legal rigor, public engagement, and institutional reform — will shape expectations for whoever next assumes Jamaica’s top prosecutorial post.