[ad_1]
(Update: The Premier is “disappointed that a suitably qualified Bermudian was not appointed.”)
Governor George Ferguson announced Rory Field Reappointed as Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), the appointment “being made on the advice of the Justice and Legal Services Commission”.
This reappointment will extend Mr. Field’s term until December 31, 2016.
Governor Ferguson said: “Mr Field’s tenure as DPP saw significant achievements, from which Bermuda has benefited greatly.
“I very much welcome his reappointment and look forward to his further contribution over the next two years. I thank the Justice and Legal Services Commission for their work.”
Mr Field’s official biography on the government website states: “Rory Field officially took over as DPP for Bermuda on 5 September 2007. He was called to the Bar in London in 1980 and is a Fellow of the Honourable Court of the Middle Temple. He practises at Pat Upward QC, Solicitors, 15 New Bridge Street, London, specialising in criminal prosecution and defence. His practice covers all areas of serious crime.
“From 2003 to 2007, he served as the Organized Crime Legal Adviser to the OSCE Mission to Serbia. In this capacity, he advised the Serbian Ministry of Justice, the Serbian Chief Prosecutor and the Serbian Organized Crime Prosecutor on how to more effectively combat organized crime and serious crime through legislative and institutional improvements. He promoted a number of important developments in the areas of witness protection, high-tech crime, asset forfeiture and the development of international approaches to combating cross-border crime.
“He served as Attorney General of Belize from 1999 to 2001. While in office, he personally prosecuted many of the most serious and high-profile cases before the Supreme Court. He prosecuted nearly all cases heard by the Court of Appeal. He also prosecuted two murder cases before the Privy Council.
“Prior to working in Belize, Rory was treasurer of the Human Rights Committee of the Law Society of England and Wales. As such, he travelled twice to Sierra Leone in 1998 and led a delegation to Turkey in 1999. Most recently, in 2007, he was one of four international experts on an 11-day EU delegation to the Philippines to find ways to deal with a recent spate of extrajudicial killings. He was particularly sought advice on strengthening prosecutions and witness protection.”
Mr. Field’s last contract renewal resulted in Some controversysome felt that a suitable Bermudian candidate should be appointed.
Update at 6:56 p.m.: A Cabinet Office spokesman said of the Governor-General’s appointment: “The Prime Minister is of course disappointed that a suitably qualified Bermudian was not appointed.
“Having expressed the desire to appoint a Bermuda DPP in 2007, 2010 and 2013, it is very unfortunate that the process adopted by the Governor’s Office appears to have been unable to turn those desires into reality.”
The spokesman added: “The Cabinet Office notes that the Prime Minister has previously raised concerns about this matter.”
“The Cabinet Office confirmed that the Prime Minister had ‘strongly expressed’ his concerns to the Governor General and further stated that he would again raise the matter with the UK Under-Secretary of State for Bermuda and the Overseas Territories in London, James Duddridge MP.
“The Premier is expected to re-emphasize the Government’s position that appropriately qualified Bermudians will be given due consideration and, where appropriate, appointments to these important constitutional positions.”
Read more about
category: all, information
[ad_2]
Source link
