KINGSTON, Jamaica — In her first week at the helm of Jamaica’s prosecutorial arm, Claudette Thompson made it known she has no interest in spectacle — only in duty.
Taking over from veteran Paula Llewellyn, Thompson steps into the role of Director of Public Prosecutions with a pointed focus: constitutional rigor, not celebrity status. “This office is not an extension of me — it’s an extension of the law,” she said during brief remarks.
A Workhorse, Not a Headliner
Thompson downplayed any notions of personal triumph, framing the transition as one of responsibility over recognition. “I didn’t take this position to be seen. I took it to serve,” she noted, underlining her belief that the justice system must operate with consistency, not personality.
Her tone was firm but measured — signaling to both the legal fraternity and the public that the ODPP will remain immune to distractions, pressure, or politicization.
Re-anchoring the Office
Rather than roll out sweeping reforms, Thompson intends to double down on what she calls the “core pillars” of prosecutorial work: neutrality, transparency, and institutional stability.
“The law must not bend to optics or public sway. It must be fair, firm, and above all — faithful.”
She emphasized operational clarity, noting that her stewardship would maintain internal standards while elevating communication around casework and public interest matters — not to perform, but to inform.
Subtle Reset, Not Overhaul
Thompson’s messaging echoed a quiet reset: not a break from her predecessor, but a recalibration of tone and method. In an era where prosecutorial offices globally are under pressure to perform in the court of public opinion, her stance is a firm lean toward procedural integrity.
“We don’t prosecute for headlines. We prosecute for justice,” she affirmed.
Focused on the Mandate
While the office has not yet detailed specific strategic changes under her leadership, Thompson was clear that her attention lies squarely on the prosecutorial mandate — not the podium.
Her concluding remarks reinforced that the office remains a servant of the Constitution, not a tool for visibility.
“It’s not about the person in the chair,” she stated. “It’s about the weight of what the chair represents — and I intend to honour that.”
