The newly appointed acting Director of Public Prosecutions, Shannon Jones-Gittens, has received a ringing endorsement from one of the country’s leading criminal defense attorneys and a sitting high court judge.
During a matter before Justice Ann-marie Smith in which the new acting DPP appeared, criminal defense attorney Wendel Robinson asked the court’s leave to offer congratulations to Jones-Gittens.
Robinson commended Jones-Gittens as an efficient and knowledgeable prosecutor who possesses the right temperament and decorum for the position.
The defense attorney described her predecessor, Anthony Armstrong, as “a walking encyclopedia” who would have mentored and trained Jones-Gittens.
Robinson said while he and Jones-Gittens are courtroom rivals, he wished to assure her of his support as a colleague member of the bar.
Noting the truism of the famous quote “Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown”, Robinson advised senior public officials to remain vigilant and aware of the environment within which they function as they walk a “dicey” path.
The defense attorney told Justice Smith, that Jones-Gittens, as a female, should be given every opportunity to break the glass ceiling and called for the legal fraternity to “…engender the environment to make it happen” adding “may God bless her and direct her path”.
Justice Smith expressed pleasure with Jones-Gittens appointment as the country’s second acting DPP and offered wishes of success and congratulations.
Jones-Gittens thanked the court and Robinson for their kind words and said she is looking forward to support from the bar in their mutual pursuit of justice.
