BRUCE GOLDING, former president of the National Democratic Movement (NDM), said on Thursday there was need for constitutional changes to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to make it more accountable to the Jamaican people.As it exists, Mr. Golding said the office doesn't require the holder to report to anyone.
"Something needs to be done to require greater accountability on the part of the Director of Public Prosecutions," he said, while giving the main address to the Jamaicans For Justice (JFJ) meeting at Stella Maris Church.
"I can't see violence being done to the independence of this office if for example the DPP were required to give quarterly reports to Parliament. At least to say, 'this is what has come before me, this is the action that has been taken.'"
The former NDM president said current laws supporting the office of the DPP need to be re-examined to ensure more accountability.
"As it (DPP office) is now, the DPP can say, if you were to ask him about a case that had reached his desk from two years ago, 'I'm still working on it or he could effectively tell you it's none of your damn business. Answerable to no one and required to report to no one," Mr. Golding said.
