Former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has initiated a civil lawsuit against the Government of Fiji and the Office of the Attorney-General regarding his pension and gratuity payments. The case was brought before Acting Master Wickramasekara in the High Court. Bainimarama’s lawsuit seeks several declarations and compensations, including a remaining gratuity balance of $337,211.12, a fortnightly pension of $7,112.37, and pre-judgment interest at a rate of 13.5%.
Additionally, he is requesting the court to order the government to cover his legal costs and other necessary relief. According to the Prime Minister’s Pension Act 1994, individuals who have served for at least five years are entitled to various benefits, including health care services and financial provisions for personal staff.
The Office of the Attorney-General countered Bainimarama’s claims, stating that the salaries of public officials, including the Prime Minister, were reduced by 20% in March 2022 due to parliamentary resolutions, and that this reduction would remain until further determination. They assert that Bainimarama’s salary upon retirement was $263,000 per annum and maintain that he is only entitled to 80% of this amount. The defendants have denied any failure in payment and have sought the dismissal of the lawsuit.
The High Court has given Bainimarama 14 days to respond to the government’s claims, with the defendants required to submit their reply by December 3. A Pre-Trial Conference is scheduled for January 7, 2025, and the case is set to be reviewed on February 5, 2025. The Court also stipulated that failure to meet the response deadlines would result in a $2,000 fine and potential dismissal of the case.
This legal conflict sheds light on the delicate balance of remuneration for public officials, particularly in times of economic adjustment. It is a complex situation that could influence future pension agreements and public trust in government operations. As the legal processes unfold, there remains hope that a fair resolution will be found that honors the entitlements of former public servants while balancing the needs of the government and its fiscal responsibilities.
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