Attorney-at-law Kelly-Ann Murdock has been appointed as acting director of corruption prosecution at the Integrity Commission (IC).

She was sworn in on Tuesday, March 31 by Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen, according to a post from the official Instagram account of the head of state on Monday.

“His Excellency conveyed his best wishes as she (Murdock) begins her tenure in this important capacity, noting that Ms Murdock’s role is critical in safeguarding integrity and advancing accountability within the nation’s justice system,” the post stated.

Murdock replaces Roneiph Lawrence, who tendered his resignation from the anti-corruption body last month. He reportedly resigned to take up a position as a judge locally.

Lawrence’s appointment to the position last year was met with objections by the ruling Jamaica Labour Party on the basis that he is reportedly a long-time friend of People’s National Party (PNP) General Secretary Dr Dayton Campbell.

Meanwhile, the IC’s website stated that Murdock brings “extensive prosecutorial experience” from her service at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) in Jamaica, where she has held the positions of legal officer to the DPP, crown counsel and assistant DPP.

She has also served as a prosecutor in the Turks and Caicos Islands, “gaining valuable regional experience”, according to the IC.

The commission further informed that Murdock was admitted to the Jamaican Bar in December 2016.

She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in International Relations and Criminology from the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona Campus; a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus; and a Certificate in Legal Education from the Norman Manley Law School.

In addition, Murdock has also completed advanced studies in project management and strategic leadership at Lambton College in Toronto.

Pointing to her legal experience over the course of her career, the IC said Murdock has “handled a broad range of serious and complex criminal matters, including cases of significant public interest”.

These include contributing to the preparation of major prosecutions, including what the commission labelled as “one of the largest gang trials in Jamaica”, without elaborating or identifying the specific case.

“Mrs Murdock is committed to upholding the rule of law, strengthening public trust and advancing the principles of accountability, transparency and integrity in public service,” the IC indicated.