The People’s National Party (PNP) is threatening court action if the Government proceeds with plans to extend the tenure of the Director of Public Prosecution (DDP) Paula Llewellyn.

The Opposition has expressed strong objection to reported plans by the Government to introduce a bill in Parliament today, July 25, to authorise the extension for which it said there has been no consultation.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Opposition party said the Government was planning to extend the tenure of the DPP by way of the introduction of the bill in Parliament, arguing that the move raises serious concerns about democratic governance and the principles of constitutional reform.

“The PNP call on the JLP-led government to reconsider its approach and uphold the principles of transparency, democratic governance and respect for established constitutional procedures. We urge the Government to engage in meaningful consultation with the relevant stakeholders, including the opposition and to refrain from exploiting its parliamentary majority for decisions that can have far-reaching consequences for the integrity of our democratic institutions,”

THE PEOPLE’S NATIONAL PARTY

The PNP said that the necessary consultations to facilitate the proposed constitutional amendment have not been had with the Opposition.

“The tabling and the passing of such a bill in the House of Representatives on the same day will preclude due consideration and properly informed debate on the matter and is an abuse of democratic governance and the Government’s parliamentary majority that is more in keeping with autocratic rule,” the PNP said.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness recommended a three-year extension for the DPP in 2020 after her appointment to office in 2008.