It is now official that Evelina Baptiste has been appointed Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in Dominica, replacing Gene Pestaina who retired in July 2013.
She took up that post on November 1, 2013.
Baptiste was among a few persons who had applied and was short listed for the job but Guyanese Kirt Defreitas was instead selected. Defreitas later cited “adverse” comments made about him on the radio as his reason for backing down from the post.
“All I can say to you is that I have spent my first day on the job…I am now looking at files with a view to getting myself acquainted with what is in there,” DPP Baptiste said.
She is expected to now take control of the ongoing September Criminal Assizes and also deal with the criminal matters when the Court of Appeal sits in Dominica next week.
Baptiste becomes the first female to be appointed DPP in Dominica. However, she is no stranger to the job, having previously acted in that position.
Congratulations to you Ms. Baptiste. Tough as the challenge is, you have the capability to succeed.
Congrats to Ms Baptiste. Best wishes and GOD’s Blessings for a successful service as DPP.
Well done Evo and congrats. Did they know that you refused that similar DPP post in Antigua and elected to stay in Dominica to serve your beloved country. Don’t they know that you have a first degree in the medical field and three Law Qualifications , plus an unblemished reputation on the Bench as Chief magistrate winning all your cases. Brains,Firmness,Justice,Fairness,Experience,Honesty, and Love for Dominica.
I would like to join in and add my congratulations to Miss Baptiste!!
However I also would like to remind Dominicans, If it wasn’t for Lennox Linton who advocated that a son/daughter of the soil should be holding this position, it would have well gone to the Guyanese.
Thank you Mr. Linton more Dominicans will and shall be fitted in positions such as these.
Congrats Ms. Baptiste…I know you are a strong woman and with GOD’s grace you will succeed!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hello and good afternoon. I want to congratulate Miss Baptiste on her promotion to the post of DPP. We want you to be honest and apply the law equally without any political interference.
From previous reactions I think it is save to say that most Dominicans welcome this appointment. What they won’t appreciate is the sneaky way Roosevelt Skerrit surreptiously brought in Arley Gill of Grenada as a replacement for MS. Baptiste, under the cover of Independence activities. Here is a man preaching unity in the country when it was clear in June that the populace was less than amused by the proposed appointment of such a politically motivated lawyer, from a sister-island as one of our magistrates. Yet, he goes ahead an imposes that very same man upon us regardless! One must assume that public concerns are meaningless and that “His Will be done” regardless.that any opposition is futile and his rule must prevail at all times. Happy independence.
while qualified she is not experienced enough and the State will loose all their difficult cases, all murder cases. She will have to recuse herself from much of the cases in the next three years, bad, extremely bad decision for victims of crime!!!
STUPESSSSshesSSS you make no sense brains experience over qualified BEST wshes EVO
Congratulations Ms. Baptiste. May God bless and guide you with wisdom and knowledge on every case that you handle. Please note that we need the Police to be properly trained so that cases do not get thrown out of court because of their incompetence. It wont be an easy job. Good luck.
Congratulations Miss Baptiste, daughter of the soil! Patriotic!
Continue to serve your country with integrity, humility and dignity. Well-deserved appointment. May God Bless you with wisdom as you execute your duties with honesty!
A Proud Dominican
Congratulations, Evelina.
We wish you God’s blessing and guidance in this ‘hot-seat’ position. Just be FIRM be FAIR.
Remember, the Constitution bestows independence of action for all the people of Dominica. Fear not!
Lennoxx,will you be calling a boycott on Eveliina’s appointment?
let me remind you, if it wasn’t U.W.P or people connected to the party, Ms Baptiste wouldn’t have that position… the u.w.p or people connected to the party are ones who have kept dominicans posted on the negligence and unfair practices of the party in power….
#RememberThis
that is a fact… lennox the others were the ones who advocated a DOMINICAN to be appointed to that post instead of another.. Lets get the facts straight..
Power to the pple..
Controversial Ali Gill is rumored to be the Chief Magistrate. I will be back later.
yeah what goes on in darkness must come into light..another battle for the ple.
Congratulations Eva..
..DA hopes that you have the “balls” to tackle and remedy the wrongs that are slowly but surely “killing” the island.. 
“balls”
. Oh jah me belly aching 
! But Change Must Come..
Assertive, NOT Agressive!
Congratulations Ms. Baptiste on your appointment of this position. May the Good Lord continue to guide you always. May He grant you the wisdom, understanding, knowledge and revelation that you will ever need for always making the right decisions. God bless you.
What happens with the criminal cases which commenced under her magistracy?
why do we always look for negative remarks…if it is a matter she dealt with there are other state attorneys in the office of the DPP.
Congratulations to Ms Baptiste for her elevation to the post of DPP. A wonderful milestone. She is our very own who has journeyed through the system. Has the requisite experience to handle the challenges of the job. Our prayers will be with the DPP to lead honestly and justly. We are extremely happy that this position is now occupied.
Congrats Miss Baptiste. You can succeed as you have the aptitude and attitude. Mr. Editor, please note that Sylvia Bertrand was the first female to serve as DPP in Dominica. She served in the immediate post independence era before being called to the bench.
Congratulations! We Dominicans are proud of your past achievements, and looking forward for the new beginning, transformation and change that will result in equal rights and justice for all in the land. We know the task before you wont be easy as you tackle the difficulties that will confront you by forces of a set agenda.
May the Almighty God continue to bless and guide you as you undertake your duties supported by the constitution, and most importantly, by the people who are eager to have again, “EQUAL RIGHTS AND JUSTICE,” we are confident you’ll be the best for the job and the best servant for all the citizens of our country.
Thank You, and God Blessings always!
Don’t for Mr G.O.N Emanuel please he is still waiting for the doors of justice to open for him.
Don’t forget
Congrats Evelina on your new position there will be a lot of controversy but if you believe in God he will get you through this keep your head up.
Congratulations Ms. Baptiste. I have no doubt that you will execute your duties diligently without favor.