Jamaica has rejected its own son of the soil, Hugh Wildman, in his bid for the post of Director of Public Prosecution (DPP). Instead the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) government of Prime Minister Bruce Golding has opted for veteran lawyer Paula Llewellyn, a former Jamaica senior Deputy DPP.
Wildman was sidelined although he previously served as Grenada's DPP. A few years ago, he also held the position of Jamaica's Deputy DPP.
Llewellyn created Jamaican legal history with her appointment on March 4. She became the first woman to be appointed her country's Director of Public Prosecution. She succeeded Kent Pantry, QC, who retired last month at the age of 60.
Wildman, who was not even granted an interview, was among six applicants for the DPP job.
Speculation is rife in legal circles in Grenada that Wildman is looking ahead with uncertainties surrounding the re-election of the Keith Mitchell-led New National Party (NNP) government for a fourth consecutive term in office.
Wildman is usually scoffed at by legal colleagues in both Grenada and Jamaica for what they call his "violent outbursts'' and contempt for the judiciary.
The Grenada Bar Association (GBA) has oftentimes criticised the controversial Wildman for throwing temper tantrums and for his intemperate remarks.
Wildman has also been chastised for demonstrating utter contempt for lawyers, judges, the courts and the entire legal system.
The current legal advisor to Grenada's cabinet and the Royal Grenada Police Force, Wildman was rejected by the GBA and other bodies when, in 2005, government submitted his name for the post of Attorney General of Grenada, Carriacou and Petit Martinique.
After weeks of protests by lawyers including a court boycott by attorneys the Judicial and Legal Services Commission (JLSC) refused to accept the nomination.
The rejection was a bitter blow to Prime Minister Mitchell's administration which had put forward the recommendation of Wildman for the top judicial post.
Meanwhile, Jamaica's legal fraternity is happy with the appointment of Llewellyn as DPP by the Public Service Commission.
The Jamaica Bar Association says it expects Llewellyn to excel in the job.
George Soutar, President of Jamaica's Advocates' Association, described Llewellyn as very capable and said "no one can question her integrity".
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