As Director of Public Prosecutions, it is my foremost responsibility as outlined in the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007 to support the upholding of the rule of law in The Virgin Islands.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions remains steadfastly committed to this mandate and continues to execute our duties with the highest regard for sound fiscal management, accountability and operational efficiency.

I would like to speak to a question that is currently circulating in the public arena and may cause concern.

In 2022, Mr. Sandip Patel, KC was appointed as a Special Prosecutor in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in accordance with section 59 (3) of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007. Mr. Patel is engaged to support the prosecution of various matters, many of which arise from the Commission of Inquiry and remain active before the courts, including appeals, which are a part of the prosecutorial process.

The information being requested by members of the media falls in the context of sensitive materials as it relates to criminal prosecution. Sensitive materials refer to any material that if disclosed, would give a real risk of serious prejudice to an important public interest, which includes the security of the individual prosecutors involved, the security of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, and by extension, National Security.

Considering the well established principle of Public Interest Immunity, the details surrounding Mr. Patel’s renumeration and ongoing matters cannot be disclosed as requested.

As Director of Public Prosecutions, I assure the people of The Virgin Islands that the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions has always worked for the benefit of the Territory and will continue to do so with integrity in the preservation of the rule of law and justice.

ENDS