On the morning of Thursday, January 23, 2025, the Minister of Justice and Public Security (MJSP), Dr. Patrick Pélissier, officially installed Me Lionel Constant Bourgouin as the new Government Commissioner for the jurisdiction of Jacmel.
During the ceremony, the Minister of Justice expressed his full confidence in Me Lionel Constant Bourgouin, presenting him as a man of law whose integrity is a cornerstone of his character.
“I first met Me Lionel Constant Bourgouin in 2002 when he was working for the National Center for State Courts after leaving the Jacmel jurisdiction. He later held several key positions, including Director General of the School of Magistrates, Government Commissioner in Port-au-Prince, and Director of the Anti-Corruption Unit (ULCC). Throughout his career, I have come to know him as a serious, competent, and passionate professional who sees the judiciary not just as a job, but as a calling,” stated Dr. Pélissier.
For his part, Me Auméreau Laîné, Dean of the Court of First Instance in Jacmel, used the opportunity to highlight the significant challenges facing the jurisdiction. Among these challenges are:
- A critical situation at the Jacmel Civil Prison, which currently houses over 700 detainees.
- A backlog of over 1,000 cases, with only four investigating judges available at the Court of Instruction.
- A shortage of court clerks, reduced to three from ten due to the death of several clerks.
In his inaugural speech, Me Lionel Constant Bourgouin acknowledged the heavy responsibilities ahead and pledged to perform his duties within the strict framework of the law.
“The prosecutor’s office is governed by principles of unity and indivisibility. Ignoring these principles could lead to disorganization within the public prosecution service. From today, this is my prosecutor’s office—the Jacmel prosecutor’s office. I expect my deputies to support me in written actions and exercise their freedom of speech in court, as tradition dictates: ‘The pen is servile, but the word is free,’” declared the new Government Commissioner with determination.
He further emphasized that all litigants in Jacmel, regardless of their background, should have access to justice and promised close collaboration with his team to ensure this goal is achieved.
Additionally, Me Bourgouin delegated authority to Substitute Government Commissioner Me Clément Jétho Jouloute, who will act in his absence.
A native of Bainet in the Southeast, Me Lionel Constant Bourgouin is a seasoned jurist with extensive experience in the Haitian judicial system. He previously led the Jacmel jurisdiction from 1998 to 2000.
