New AG Appeals to PM For Urgent Assistance

[dropcap]O[/dropcap]ur party has made a commitment to the youth of this country, and the two appointments of the Acting DPP and now the new Attorney General solidify our commitment in a concrete way.” Senator Hermingild Francis spoke exclusively with the STAR shortly after the appointment of Stephen Julien as AG this week. Mr. Julien replaces Kim St. Rose, following weeks of controversy fueled by her perceived relationship with the present administration, with the prime minister in particular. Mrs St. Rose was appointed in the time of Kenny Anthony’s government. Stephen Julien is a former magistrate. He took his oath office on Thursday at Government House.

“I have known Mr. Julien for a while and I have always been impressed with his quiet demeanor,” said Francis. “He appears to be quite knowledgeable with the law. I do wish him all the best, and I look forward to working with him.” As for the new appointee, he said: “During my tenure I will have oversight for the services provided by various departments that have responsibility for services such as the general administration of the Attorney General’s Chambers, advice and litigation on civil matters to central government, legislative drafting and the Registry of Companies and Intellectual Property.”

He said his first order of business would be to engage the cited departments “with a view to assessing their particular needs.” A key function will be to adequately advise the government on all litigation matters including high profile cases that may have legal ramifications for the country, namely the IMPACS report.

“I have been reliably informed that understaffing remains a recurring issue for some departments,” said Julien, “especially where Crown Counsels are concerned. It is for this reason I will depart from the usual protocol of these proceedings and use this forum to make a special plea to our Prime Minister for the allocation of these and other resources for the aforementioned departments which collectively form the Attorney General’s Chambers.”

Stephen Julien holds a Legal Education Certificate from the Sir Hugh Wooding Law School and a first degree from the University of the West Indies. The former AG St. Rose spent her last day in office on October 14 but now serves as a special advisor to the Prime Minister with responsibility for constitutional review and reform. The national security minister took the opportunity during his talk with the STAR to “thank Mrs. Kim St. Rose for her years of service to the country and to wish her well in her new position. Again,” he added, “it indicates our commitment to constitutional reform.”