The Director of Public Prosecutions made her final appearance in Bermuda’s courts yesterday.

Vinette Graham-Allen told Appeal Court Judges that her three year contract comes to an end on July 4.

She said: “It was a privilege to appear before you and to assist in jurisprudence. I thoroughly enjoyed working and presenting here and assisting this country.”

Appeal Court President Edward Zacca said: “On behalf of the bench we wish to say that we have enjoyed your practise before us and the way in which you conducted yourself.

“We wish you the best in the future and God speed.”

Government House issued a press release stating: “In the course of a farewell call on His Excellency the Governor on June 25, Mrs. Graham-Allen outlined the achievements of her Department over the last three years, including the sharp reduction in the number of cases awaiting prosecution and the high proportion of cases successfully prosecuted in both Magistrate and Supreme Courts.

“The Governor thanked Mrs. Graham-Allen for her service to Bermuda and wished her well for the future.

“The post of Director of Public Prosecutions, who is appointed by the Governor, was advertised widely in April. A panel chaired by the Deputy Governor has established a short list from the substantial number of applications received and expects to make a recommendation to the Governor in July.

“Meanwhile, and pending the appointment of a substantive successor to Mrs. Graham-Allen, Mr. Juan Wolffe, currently serving as a Magistrate, has been appointed by the Governor to act as the Director of Public Prosecutions with effect from 4 July.”

A farewell lunch will be hosted by the Governor on July 3.

Mrs. Graham-Allen arrived from Jamaica in late 2000 to take up the post of Senior Crown Counsel and was then promoted to Principal Crown Counsel after the death of Dorien Taylor. As number two in the DPP’s office, she often acted as Director until she took over the position in 2004.