The Constitution of St. Kitts and Nevis requires DPP Sinanan vacate office

Basseterre, St. Kitts — The Constitution of St. Kitts and Nevis requires the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to vacate his office at the age of fifty-five (55) years. The DPP (Prescribed Age) Act permits the DPP to remain in office past that age, for such period as may be agreed between him and the Governor General, but not later than his 60th birthday provided that any such agreement was entered into before the DPP attained the age of fifty-five years.

Under the Denzil Douglas regime, Mr. Travers Sinanan was appointed to the post of DPP for a period of two years only. At that time, he was already past the age of 55. His contract expired on July 15, 2015.

The contract which Mr. Sinanan signed envisaged that his appointment could be renewed, but only with the Government’s agreement. Mr. Sinanan asked that his term of office be extended, but the Government decided not to do so. Indeed the Government could not renew in light of the fact that Mr. Sinanan was already over 55 years when his contract was granted.

This Government respects Mr. Sinanan’s right of access to a court of law to have the nature of his tenure as DPP adjudicated. This Government respects and is guided by the rule of law.

The Government’s position then is that in accordance with the Constitution, the Supreme Law of St. Kitts and Nevis, Mr. Sinanan must vacate his office.