Governor-General announces new Public Defender

His Excellency The Governor-General, the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs. Arlene Harrison Henry to the post of Public Defender in accordance with the Public Defender (Interim) Act of 2000. Her appointment takes effect as of the 19^th of January, 2015.

Mrs. Harrison Henry, former President of the Jamaica Bar Association, was called to the Bar in 1978 after which she was employed in the Public Service until 1983. Her final public post was as Assistant Crown Counsel in the Attorney General’s Chambers. She then established her private practice in which she became a well-known human rights activist. She cemented her linkage with the Independent Jamaican Council for Human Rights when she was elected as its President in April, 2006. Also in that year she was appointed Member of the Police Civilian Oversight Authority and since 2009 has served on the Police Service Commission. In 2011 she was appointed as Director and Company Secretary of the Jamaica Foundation for Lifelong Learning and has been the Human Rights representative on the Partnership for Transformation.

Mrs. Harrison Henry’s educational qualifications, track record of performance as an Attorney-at-Law and human rights advocate, as well as her high sense of civic responsibility, make her eminently prepared for effective service as Public Defender.

His Excellency The Governor-General uses his opportunity to reiterate his appreciation for the services of former Public Defender Mr. Earl Witter, QC, and also to Mr. Matondo Mukulu who has ably held the fort since April, 2014.

Mrs. Harrison Henry will be sworn into office at a ceremony to be held at King’s House on Friday, 16 January, 2015.