Jamaica's Jeremy Taylor appointed TCI's chief prosecutor

Jeremy Taylor, one of Jamaica's most senior prosecutors, has been appointed Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

A DPP is responsible for deciding whether sufficient evidence exists to bring criminal charges and for overseeing prosecutions on behalf of a state or territory.

The appointment was announced Tuesday by Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam following a recruitment process, which included consultation with the territory's Premier, Leader of the Opposition, and the Judicial Services Commission.

Taylor has served as Jamaica’s Senior Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions since 2014, leading specialised units including anti-gang, environmental law, extradition, and organised crime.

He also contributed to key legislative reforms and authored prosecution manuals.

Taylor was appointed King’s Counsel in 2020 and awarded the Badge of Honour for Meritorious Service in 2022.

“This appointment follows a rigorous and highly competitive process, from which Taylor KC emerged as an outstanding candidate," said Governor Daniel-Selvaratnam. "His extensive prosecutorial expertise, proven leadership and steadfast commitment to the rule of law will be pivotal in delivering fair and effective justice outcomes.”

Taylor said he is "honoured" to have been appointed the TCI's chief prosecutor. "I am committed to upholding prosecutorial independence, strengthening institutional capacity and working collaboratively with justice-sector partners to ensure fairness, accountability and public trust," he said in the statement on the appointment.

Taylor was reportedly among the contenders to replace King's Counsel Paula Llewellyn, who retired in September last year. Claudette Thompson, another senior deputy deputy DPP, was selected.

Llewellyn, meanwhile, has congratulated Taylor, saying he has built up a vast range of skills and experiences to do well as DPP.

"I am not surprised that Taylor was found suitable in the Turks and Caicos Islands to take up this appointment. He has always been a very hard worker and he loves court work. He is known for his great research capabilities and has presented several papers on numerous legal issues," Llewellyn told The Gleaner on Tuesday. "I wish him well and I have no doubt the Turks and Caicos jurisdiction will be the better for having Taylor there."

Taylor is the latest Jamaican to be appointed to a top public role in the TCI, a British overseas territory.

Fitz Bailey, a former deputy commissioner of police in Jamaica, was appointed TCI's police commissioner in April.

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