JAMAICA | Opposition PNP Not happy with Appeal Court Ruling on Director of Public Prosecutions

Today [Friday, December 20] the Court of Appeal overturned the unanimous decision of the Supreme Court by allowing the Government’s appeal in respect of our challenge to the constitution providing a second extension of the tenure in office of the then DPP.

While we of course respect the Court of Appeal’s decision, we take this opportunity to reiterate two of the fundamental concerns that led us to challenge that legislation in court.

The Government’s enactment of constitutional legislation without any consultation with the Opposition on a matter concerning a particularly sensitive office, coupled with the unprecedented haste to pass it through Parliament without proper review or any prepared debate, amounted to a pernicious abuse of power, inimical to good governance in a constitutional democracy.

The Government’s approach was all the more egregious given the constitutional reform process that was then underway, which was completely sidestepped by this rushed constitutional change.

We await receiving the written reasons for the decision of the Court of Appeal, and we will make a determination as to any next steps once we have had an opportunity to review those reasons.

We remain steadfast in our commitment to democratic principles of government, and will continue to defend the constitution and people of Jamaica whenever we feel they are in jeopardy from an abusive use of political power.
Senator Donna Scott Mottley
Spokesperson on Justice