ODPP Launches Collaborative Secondment Program

From left – Mark Fulford, President of the Turks and Caicos Bar Association; Attorney Dominique Rolle; and Director of Public Prosecution Phillip Bennetts KC.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has announced the successful completion of a pilot secondment program. The initiative, which ran from June 2 to August 31, 2025, is designed to provide junior attorneys with hands-on experience in criminal advocacy while supporting the DPP’s office during periods of high demand.

The inaugural secondment saw Dominique Rolle, a junior attorney with the law firm Stanbrook Prudhoe, serve as a Public Prosecutor for a three-month term. During this time, Mr. Rolle – a Turks and Caicos Islander of North Caicos descent – gained valuable courtroom experience as lead attorney in trial matters, while the DPP’s office benefited from additional support during staff transitions and summer vacancies.

Amidst the recent uptick in crime and a concerted effort by stakeholders to strengthen the Islands’ security and criminal justice systems, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Phillip Bennetts KC, who was appointed in April 2024, noted:

This program works as a gateway to criminal advocacy at the same time as supporting the ODPP. I am grateful to all for their support in making this work; the Turks and Caicos Bar Association, Stanbrook and Prudhoe and of course Dominque Rolle. Dom was outstanding as a first in this scheme. Private/Public collaboration is important, and this has demonstrated how such collaboration can benefit all. Both the ODPP and attorneys gain from the experience. I truly hope in the future this scheme will give opportunities to Turks and Caicos Island attorneys to build a criminal practice which will add to the robustness of the Criminal Justice system.  

The program underscores the local bar’s commitment to fostering professional growth among local attorneys while strengthening collaboration between private practice and public service. Following the success of the trial run, consideration is being given by the DPP's office to expand the initiative and provide further opportunities for junior lawyers across the jurisdiction.

Mark Fulford, President of the Turks and Caicos Bar Association, added:“The criminal bar is currently served by a small number of attorneys, prosecution and defence, who work tirelessly to ensure justice prevails in the TCI. The Turks and Caicos Islands Bar Association commends the DPP's efforts to provide professional development opportunities to Turks and Caicos Islander attorneys, and encourages private firms and junior attorneys to participate to expand their criminal practice capabilities and best serve the community."

Timothy Prudhoe of Stanbrook Prudhoe, commented "The partners of SP are pleased that this opportunity arose both for Dom and the Office of the DPP. Truly a win-win for all involved. We hope many others will follow in Dom's footsteps".

Reflecting on his experience, Mr. Rolle said:“The benefit of the secondment opportunity for TCI junior attorneys is the depth of experience one gains as lead attorney – both at trial and in general practice. It’s a steep learning curve, but the Office is equipped to train and support in getting up to speed quickly to provide an enriching professional and civil service experience.”