Full confidence

The appointment of King’s Counsel Jeremy Taylor as director of public prosecutions (DPP) for the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI), alongside Fitz Bailey, former deputy commissioner of police in Jamaica and now commissioner in the territory, is expected to significantly strengthen efforts against gangs and transnational criminal networks. That view was expressed by retired Jamaican DPP Paula Llewellyn.

Taylor’s appointment was announced on Tuesday in a press release from the Office of the Governor of the TCI, following what was described as a competitive recruitment process and consultations with members of government, in keeping with local law.

According to the release, Taylor brings more than 26 years of legal experience, including over two decades in public prosecutorial service at Jamaica’s Office of the DPP. He was described as a distinguished advocate and legal reformer who has played a central role in complex, high-profile criminal prosecutions.

The Governor’s Office also highlighted his contributions to key legal manuals, legislative development, and criminal justice reform.

Taylor was appointed King’s Counsel in 2022.

Llewellyn said Taylor’s work ethic and courtroom focus make him well suited to the role, particularly given the backlog and complexity of criminal cases in the TCI.

“Mr Taylor loves to live in court. The only other place that he loves like the courtroom is to be in front of his computer doing research,” she told The Gleaner, adding that she expected him to work seamlessly with Bailey, who he knows professionally and personally.

Bailey, who retired in September 2024 after some 40 years in the Jamaica Constabulary Force, assumed the role of acting commissioner of police in the TCI shortly thereafter and was appointed commissioner last year.

Llewellyn recalled that during her tenure as DPP, Taylor – then head of the gang unit in her office – worked closely with her, former Deputy DPP Claudette Thompson, and Bailey on the preparation and prosecution of several major gang and transnational crime cases.

“I’m not surprised that Mr Taylor was found suitable in the Turks and Caicos Islands to take up this appointment,” she added.

“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. I wish him well, and I have no doubt that the Turks and Caicos jurisdiction will be the better for having Mr Taylor there as director of public prosecutions,” she said.

She also offered advice on the leadership demands of the role, stressing the importance of management skills and emotional intelligence.

“Leadership in any role demands one thing: that you are prepared to be shoulder and shoulder with your staff. So not only should he be mindful of that high-quality professionalism as it relates to his research and advocacy skills in court but also to the science of management and the twin issues of being able to give the tough love but at the same time have a lot of emotional intelligence to get the best out of your staff. He should always be prepared to lead from the front and to mentor so that every member of staff he interacts with will be left better professionally and otherwise his leadership.”

In accepting the appointment, Taylor said: “I am committed to upholding prosecutorial independence, strengthening institutional capacity, and working collaboratively with justice-sector partners to ensure fairness, accountability, and public trust.”

corey.robinson@gleeanerjm.com