DPP blames HR delays, salary limitations for staff shortages

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Tiffany Scatliffe, has flagged delays in recruitment and salary constraints as key factors contributing to staff shortages in her office.

Addressing the Standing Finance Committee (SFC) recently, Scatliffe expressed frustration, noting that this was her fourth time as Director and seventh overall appearance before the SFC with the same priority concern again being raised, to no avail, and that she needed help with inadequate Human Resources. The DPP noted that the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) highlighted the office’s resource deficiencies. She stated that failure to comply with all recommendations in the report issued last year could result in the Virgin Islands becoming grey or black-listed, which would be detrimental. She added that the under-resourcing of her department impacts global financial compliance efforts, including combating money laundering and other crimes.

Recruitment Challenges and Vacancies

The Director reported that nine legal posts were vacant, while all administrative posts were filled except one, which was on rotation and expected to be addressed by the Department of Human Resources. The vacant legal posts included one Principal Crown Counsel post under recruitment by the JLC, one Senior Crown Counsel post in recruitment, two unfunded Senior Crown Counsel posts, three Crown Counsel positions in recruitment, one Paralegal II position, and one Paralegal I position awaiting recruitment approval by the JLC.