JLSC says Manning's statement is not true

The Judicial and Legal Services Commission (JLSC) issued a statement shortly after Prime Minister Patrick Manning changed his mind on the appointment of an acting Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) refuting Manning's statement that the commission did not consult the prime minister before making the acting appointment.

The commission, which is under the chairmanship of Chief Justice Ivor Archie, said it is pleased that "Deputy DPP Carla Brown-Antoine has now been endorsed to act in the position of Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP)."

But it clarified its position, pointing out that contrary to what Manning told the House of Representatives, it followed the rules.

"A recommendation for Mrs Brown-Antoine to act as DPP was made by the JLSC to the Honourable Prime Minister before Mr Geoffrey Henderson demitted office as the substantive DPP on January 5, 2009. Having regard to Section 111 (2) of the Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, no appointment to the position of DPP was or could have been made," it added.

The commission noted that Manning, "now having signified his consent, the commission will appoint Mrs Brown-Antoine to act as DPP effective January 5, 2009".

Brown-Antoine took over the responsibilities of the DPP's office after DPP Geoffrey Henderson was appointed as a judge of the High Court bench on January 5. She had also acted on numerous occasions during Henderson's six-and-a-half year tenure.

The DPP is responsible for overseeing all the criminal prosecutions in the country and has the power to stop or take over any of those criminal proceedings.