Former Fisheries and Forestry Minister, Kalaveti Ravu, has requested a modification to his bail conditions to permit travel to China. Ravu appeared in the Suva Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Jeremaia Savou, facing a charge of abuse of office. He is alleged to have interfered with a Ministry of Fisheries and Forestry investigation regarding the illegal trade of prohibited beche-de-mer species between July 25 and August 31 of the previous year.
Ravu’s attorney, Lavi Rokoika, informed the court that her client needed to attend a seminar in China scheduled for October 22 to 31. FICAC prosecutor Lavenia Ravuikadavu requested a formal application, but Magistrate Savou deemed the existing letter from Parliament adequate, as it contained the required affidavit and evidence. FICAC has 14 days to respond to the defense’s request, and Magistrate Savou instructed that a copy of Ravu’s passport biodata page be submitted to them by the end of the day.
In related proceedings, Tekata Toaisi, who is charged with aiding and abetting Ravu’s alleged abuse of office, missed the court session due to a date mix-up and was also on Rabi Island at the time. Consequently, the court has suspended the bench warrant against him. The trial is scheduled for February 3 to 7 of next year, and the prosecution is ready to proceed with 12 witnesses and 39 documents to present. The case was adjourned to October 3 to review the State’s response to Ravu’s bail modification and to hold a pretrial conference.