Vinette Graham-Allen yesterday took over as Director of Public Prosecutions with a clear mandate ? to groom a Bermudian replacement by the end of her three year term in office.

The 46-year-old Jamaican national was sworn in at a brief Government House ceremony. She assumes the DPP post following a successful stint as senior Crown counsel under former acting DPP Kulendra Ratneser.

Mr. Ratneser, who was appointed acting DPP last year following Government House?s failure to find a replacement for Khamisi Tokunbo, will stay at the Department as a consultant.

Before coming to Bermuda, Ms Graham-Allen had risen through the ranks at Jamaica?s DPP office to serve as acting Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions.

Yesterday she said she was determined to ensure the development of Bermudian staff during her tenure. ?It is hoped that at least five senior positions will be held by Bermudians,? she said.

She told later that the office had ?stabilised? after going through some changes over the years.

?My impression is that they (staff) are quite happy and are willing to co-operate with me ? my plan is for them.?

She did not rule out staying on for another three-year contract, if asked, but stressed that her only intention is to carry out her succession plan.

For his part Mr. Ratneser said that the department had achieved some significant successes during his tenure, including taking over money laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act litigation from the Attorney General?s Chambers.

Asked his most embarrassing moment during the period, he said: ?When I went to defend one of my Crown counsel for not having paid parking tickets. It was a moment of bravado, I think ? trying to save the skin of my Crown counsel ? but it was clearly wrong.?