Llewellyn

Before the historic appointment of Paula Llewellyn as Jamaica's director of public prosecutions (DPP) a few days ago, the position had previously been dominated by men.

In 1962, the year Jamaica gained independence from the British, William H. Swaby was appointed the independent state's first DPP. Swaby served in the post until 1965 before he was replaced by Huntley Munroe. His stint ended in 1968. Well-known politician and university professor, Trevor Munroe, is the son of Huntley.

Awarded the OJ

James Kerr was appointed DPP in 1968 and stayed in the job until 1977. He was eventually awarded the Order of Jamaica.

Ian Forte was appointed to the post in 1977 and served until 1988 when he was appointed a Court of Appeal judge. In July 2007, Forte was mandated by then Minister of National Security Dr Peter Phillips, to review investigations into the controversial death of Pakistan cricket coach, Bob Woolmer, and present a report. He is currently a member of the Cayman Islands Court of Appeals.

Glen Andrade, who succeeded Forte, served for a decade (1988-1998) and was succeeded by Kent Pantry. Pantry also served in the post for 10 years and was the DPP during the Bob Woolmer trial.

Deceased DPPs:

1988 - William H. Swaby died at age 78 in Canada.

1996 - Huntley Munroe died at age 84 at the University Hospital of the West Indies

2005 - James Kerr died at age 83.