The trial involving former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, and former Health Minister Neil Sharma has been postponed until Wednesday. This decision follows a request made by Sharma’s attorney, Wylie Clarke, who raised concerns regarding the inclusion of minutes from the Ministry of Health’s Tender Evaluation Committee, which are deemed crucial for the case.
Justice Usaia Ratuvili has permitted the defense team to challenge these minutes. Clarke’s argument centers on the claim that the minutes should be inadmissible, citing their reliance on hearsay. He emphasized that resolving this matter early could expedite the trial, urging the court to rule on the document’s admissibility before the substantive hearing begins.
Meanwhile, Bainimarama and Sayed-Khaiyum’s attorney, Devanesh Sharma, indicated that his clients are prepared to move forward with the trial, while also showing interest in Clarke’s application. However, State Counsel Laisani Tabuakoro vehemently opposed the defense’s request, characterizing it as a ploy to stall the trial. Tabuakoro pointed out that the documents at the center of this objection have been in the defense’s possession since 2024, suggesting that the issue should have been flagged earlier.
The state has been instructed to submit its response to the objection by the end of business tomorrow, and a ruling on the admissibility of the minutes is anticipated on Wednesday. This trial is closely monitored as it involves significant figures in Fijian politics, and the upcoming ruling could provide clarity on the proceedings ahead.
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