BVI News understands that as the most senior prosecutor in the department, Scatliffe-Esprit was placed in charge of the department since United Kingdom native Kim Hollis departed from that post on December 13.

Permanent Secretary in the Governor’s Office Sharleen DaBreo-Lettsome confirmed the appointment when contacted on Thursday morning.

“That is correct. Her (Scatliffe-Esprit’s) appointment was around Christmas time,” DaBreo-Lettsome said a statement on the appointment is being prepared to be released to the public soon.

Hollis wished for Scatliffe-Esprit to succeed her

On the eve of Hollis’ departure last month, Opposition legislator Julian Fraser said Scatliffe-Esprit should be her successor.

“I had that conversation with the DPP about succession planning, and she felt that, at the end of her contract, her Principal Crown Counsel should be her successor,” Fraser said.

He continued: “I applaud her for that. That’s growing our people. Everybody who comes into this territory has a responsibility not just to be here, work, make money, and have a good time. You have a responsibility to grow us as well. You have to look back and say I did that, and I am proud of myself for doing that, and the people will be proud of you too.”

The post of DPP, like many other top government jobs in the BVI, has mainly been held by expatriates.