THE EDITOR, Sir:I REFER to the article in The Gleaner of June 7, 2002 headlined 'Court shut-down DPP recalls prosecutor without sending replacement' by Barbara Gayle.
Let me point out that the Crown Counsel in Trelawny Circuit Court was recalled to office on the 10th day of June 2002 and another Crown Counsel assigned to replace her on 10th June 2002.
This decision was based on an internal determination, when the prosecutor failed to effectively carry out her duties as requested by me in the case of R vs. Oliver Irons et al for the unlawful possession of a large quantity of ammunition and firearms.
The learned trial judge was informed by me on June 4 that she would not be recalled until June 10.
In fact, on seeing the article in The Gleaner, I contacted Deputy Director of Public Prosecution, Carrington Mahoney, who was responsible for her recall and he informed me that he spoke with the Crown Counsel on Thursday, June 6, 2002 at 10 a.m. He said she was aware then of the arrangements and that she would be recalled on June 10 and not 'forthwith' as your article suggested.
She returned to office on June 10 as arranged by Mr. Mahoney.
I am, etc.,
KENT S. PANTRY Q.C.
Director of Public Prosecutions
