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Bainimarama’s claims of pending salary scheduled for later court date

Bainimarama’s Pension Battle: Court Adjourns Key Case

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Former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama’s civil case against the Fiji Government concerning his pension and gratuity payments has been postponed to February 19. The hearing was initially set for today but was adjourned as the court was not in session.

Bainimarama has filed a lawsuit, naming the Attorney-General as the second defendant, contending that the government incorrectly calculated his pension entitlements. He argues that based on his annual salary of $328,750 as per the Parliamentary Remuneration Act, he is entitled to a pension amounting to 75 percent of that total, which equates to $246,562.50. However, he claims the government’s calculations were based on a temporarily reduced salary during the COVID period, resulting in a lowered pension of $184,921.87.

Additionally, Bainimarama asserts his entitlement to a gratuity payment under legislation, which he calculates should amount to $770,507.87. However, he states that he only received $433,296.75, leaving a substantial shortfall of $337,211.12. He believes his pension payment should have been adjusted accordingly to $7,112.37 per fortnight based on the gratuity option he exercised.

Bainimarama’s legal team is seeking a court declaration that he is owed the remaining gratuity balance and the correct fortnightly pension, inclusive of interest. In contrast, the Government and the Attorney-General have responded, asserting that Bainimarama has received the correct entitlements and denying any claims for additional relief.

This case raises questions regarding the accuracy of pension calculations and the obligations of the government to former officials. As the matter awaits a new court date, it highlights the ongoing challenges surrounding government pension policies and their implications for former leaders.

In summary, Bainimarama’s claims about his pension and gratuity payments reflect significant issues in the management of public pensions, and the upcoming court proceedings could have wider implications for similar cases in Fiji.


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