Sherma Dalrymple appointed DPP

Sherma Dalrymple, after acting for two years, was permanently appointed to the position of Director of Public Prosecution (DPP)

In making the announcement, Minister of National Security and Legal Affairs Rayburn Blackmoore lauded her contribution over the years to the office of the DPP, as, according to him, her appointment brings stability to the office.

"I want to take this opportunity, on behalf of the Ministry of National Security and Legal Affairs and the Government of Dominica, to congratulate Miss Sherma Dalrymple on her recent permanent appointment to the office of Director of Public Prosecutions," the Minister stated.

"Miss Dalrymple certainly is a great technician at what she does, and therefore, her permanent appointment will bring stability to that office, which is key to the overall administration of justice," Blackmoore added.

Dalrymple was called to the Bar in Dominica in 2009, succeeding her graduation from the Hugh Wooding Law School.

After that, she began her legal career as a State attorney in the Attorney General's chambers in Dominica.

In 2012, Dalrymple transitioned to criminal practice and served as a State prosecutor in the office of the DPP.

She served as a Dominica Air and Sea Port licensing board member, a director of the National Development Foundation and a lecturer in paralegal studies and corporate and partnership law at the Dominica State College (DSC).

Dalrymple's appointment succeeds that of the former DPP Evelina Baptiste, who held the post from November 1, 2013, to February 2021.

In an earlier interview, the DPP stated among her major priority are firearm-related offences.

"This year on our mandate is to put some serious work in respect of our firearms matters. We noted last year that there was an upsurge in these matters and as such, we are counteracting with the filing of complaints for trafficking in firearms."

To expedite these matters at the court, the DPP disclosed that her office would have decided to go through the paper committal route, thereby "not going through the long, drawn-out preliminary inquiry process."

Meanwhile, Blackmoore further announced additional permanent appointments within the Ministry of National Security and Legal Affairs.

"Recently, 12 prison officers received permanent appointments at various levels," he stated. "That is to say, one in the office of assistant superintendent of prison, two in the office of principal officer, three in the office of senior prison officer, and six in the office of prison officer."

According to the Minister, these employees were all previously acting; therefore, the effective date of their permanent appointment is January 1, 2023.

"On behalf of the Government of Dominica, I want to congratulate those prison officers and wish them well. I also hope they will redouble their efforts on the job."

Blackmoore further stated that he is continuing his meetings with all the heads of the various departments within his ministry to address outstanding issues.