ST. JOHN'S (CMC):
THE APPOINTMENT of new a Director of Public Prosecutions for Antigua and Barbuda has angered the man who has been acting in the position for the past 14 months.
Gene Pestaina, who has been serving as acting DPP, said the appointment of Jamaican Anthony Armstrong is a slap in the face of the judicial system.
"My feeling is of utter disgust with the whole atmosphere . which is a massive disrespect for the post of DPP. Forget me, it is disrespect for the DPP, the judge, the jurors, witnesses, the police and the whole system," Pestaina told the Antigua Sun newspaper.
OVERREACTING
But Attorney-General Justin Simon said Pestaina is over-reacting to a correspondence from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Judicial and Legal Services Commission appointing Armstrong.
Simon said the letter was not intended for Pestaina who has been acting in the position since August 2004.
"Mr. Pestaina was appointed to act as DPP. He was appointed senior Crown counsel. As soon as someone is appointed DPP, then Mr. Pestaina reverts to his substantive position," Simon said. "The whole issue is a storm in a teacup."
Armstrong is awaiting confirmation of his appointment from the Governor-General before he takes up his position, Simon said.
