Veteran Prosecutor Clement Joseph has been appointed as the new Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for Antigua and Barbuda. He is set to officially take office on Monday, May 19.
Clement Joseph, originally from Marigot, brings with him a wealth of experience and a strong educational background to this pivotal role.
Prior to this appointment, Joseph served as the DPP in the Turks and Caicos Islands, where he honed his skills in public prosecution.
His academic credentials are impressive, featuring multiple advanced degrees including an LLM, an LLB with Honors, a Legal Education Certificate, and a Bachelor of Science.
Joseph’s career in law has been both diverse and impactful. He began his professional journey as a police officer in Dominica before moving into the prosecution service.
His trajectory took a notable turn in 2017 when he was elevated to the position of acting DPP in the Turks and Caicos Islands, solidifying his reputation as a capable and dedicated legal professional.
His appointment comes on the heels of an extensive search following the resignation of former DPP Anthony Armstrong.
Armstrong stepped down amid allegations of professional misconduct in Jamaica, leaving a significant void in the office. Since then, Shannon Jones-Gittens has been serving in an acting capacity until Joseph’s arrival.
Meanwhile in his first interview since accepting the position, he has confidently stated his commitment to preserving the independence of his office, asserting, “I’ve been guaranteed that I will not be used as a political stoogeā€¯, he emphasized during a conversation with Q95 FM’s Matt Peltier Jr.
He said that his constitutional responsibilities require him to function free from political pressures.
“[I will be a] DPP for the law,” Joseph articulated, explaining his intended approach. “If the government presents something lawful, then that’s acceptable. However, if they present something unlawful, it is my constitutional duty to advise the government on the legality of any criminal actions they propose.”
“Since I began my legal career in 2010, I’ve been focused on prosecution,” Joseph shared, noting his extensive experience in Dominica, the Turks and Caicos Islands, and Barbuda, where he specialized in financial crimes. He rose to the position of acting DPP in Turks and Caicos in 2017.
Congratulations to you. Sir, were your qualifications too low for Dominica but just right for Antigua? Is it that you were not interested in serving in Dominica?
Congratulations Clement, continued success.
Congeratulations to you my brother. Very proud of you bro. GOD blessings on you.
Well done Antigua!
You are fortunate to have hired a legal gem in the Caribbean who will ensure perpetrators are brought to justice. This man is one of Marigot and by extension Dca’s finest and I look forward to him one day being a Judge in our system. Sadly, a prophet is never accepted in his own country but god is not a lazy bajan police officer.
Continue to make us proud Rabbit, and when the going gets tough just remember you days at Police Training School at Morne Bruce, Dca. You are destined for greatness my friend.