(TCI SUN) Veteran British lawyer, King’s Counsel Philip Bennetts, has been appointed by Her Excellency Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam to the position of Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).  He will take up his role as the DPP at the beginning of June 2024.

A press statement from the governor’s office said the appointment followed “an open recruitment process”, and was done in accordance with Section 91 of the Constitution of the Turks and Caicos Islands.  

Commenting on the appointment, the Governor said: “Following a competitive recruitment process and after consultation with the Hon. Premier, the Hon. Leader of the Opposition and the Judicial Services Commission, I have appointed Mr Philip Bennetts KC as the next Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) of the Turks and Caicos Islands.  Mr Bennetts KC has a strong track record as prosecution counsel in serious and complex criminal cases. I am confident that he will be able to lead the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and ensure that it plays a pivotal role within the criminal justice system while building and maintaining public confidence in the independence and fairness of his Office. I would like to thank Dr Angela Brooks for her committed work as the Acting DPP during the interim period.”

Bennetts KC, commenting on his appointment, said: “I am looking forward to taking up the position of Director of Public Prosecutions. It is a great privilege to be given the opportunity to use the experience that I have gained over the years in this role. I understand that there will be challenges, as there are in any criminal justice system. It is important that those who suffer crime see that justice is done. Whether victims or witnesses, the criminal justice system must ensure that all have the support that they should have.”