Wayne Rajbansie

Photo Credit: newsday.co.tt

Wayne Rajbansie

Photo Credit: newsday.co.tt

The newly appointed Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Wayne Rajbansie, a native of Trinidad will be bringing vast experience to the DPP's office.

As reported by BVI Platinum News on Tuesday, July 30, Rajbansie, the former Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in his homeland will be replacing Guyana native Ms. Elizabeth Hinds. Her appointment comes to an end on August 15 as DPP.

When contacted by BVI Platinum News in Trinidad, Rajbansie declined to comment about his appointment and said that it would be inappropriate to give an interview before he comes to the BVI.

Yesterday, July 31, the Government Information Service (GIS) confirmed that Governor Mr. Boyd McCleary, acting on the advice of the Judicial and Legal Services Commission, has approved the contract appointment of Rajbansie, LLM to the post of Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Rajbanise, whose appointment is effective August 13, holds a Bachelor of Law (LLB) Degree with honours from the University of the West Indies, a Legal Education Certificate from Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad and a Masters in Law (LLM) degree in Corporate and Commercial Law.

According to GIS, Rajbanise's professional experience includes specialising in Criminal Law as an advocate attorney in the private sector. He worked in the Ministry of the Attorney General, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions from September 29, 1997 to September 30, 2010.

During his tenure there, he was responsible for assisting the Director of Public Prosecutions with care and conduct of prosecutions in the Court of Appeal and Privy Council; advising the DPP on matters arising from Police investigations as to whether or not the State can successfully prosecute and advising various government agencies including the Ministry of National Security on matters involving criminal activities and their impact on the State among other duties. Rajbanise also served as a lecturer in Criminal Law and Law of Evidence with K. Beckles and Associates Law Tutors.

He also attended numerous conferences and workshops relating to his profession, including Caribbean Anti-Money Laundering Training Programme for Prosecutors, Advocacy Training Course and Management of Complex Fraud Trials.

GIS stated that he has served as a member of the Advisory Team to the Commissioner of Police on the Anti-Gang Prosecutions and Emergency Powers 2011 pursuant to a State of Emergency, Member of the Omnibus Security Committee established to review the Interception of Communications Act, Firearms Act, Bail Act, Official Secrets Act and Gang Legislation among others.

As reported earlier, the Trinidad Express Newspaper reported in September 2010 that Rajbansie tendered his resignation earlier that month. In the article, Rajbansie, who was a State Attorney since he graduated from law school in 1997, said he resigned because he wanted to face new challenges.

According to the Trinidad Express article, Rajbansie in response to reports that his resignation came after he was overlooked for the post of DPP, said he "is not leaving the DPP's office with any animosity whatsoever".

As Director of Public Prosecutions in the BVI, Rajbansie is expected to institute and undertake criminal proceedings, serve as the accounting officer, oversee the day-to-day administration of the office, prepare the department's annual budget and liaise with the Governor, Commissioner of Police and other institutions on criminal matters.