Former Minister of Fisheries and Forestry Kalaveti Ravu will have to wait until next year to learn the outcome of his case. Ravu is facing charges along with former Regional Manager North, Tekata Toaisi, who today entered a plea of ‘not guilty’ to accusations of aiding and abetting.
The two appeared in the Suva Magistrates Court this morning before Magistrate Jeremaia Savou. Toaisi has been charged with one count of aiding and abetting the abuse of office.
During the court session, FICAC Counsel Lavenia Ravuikadavu stated that there were no admissions made during the caution interview. Ravu’s lawyer, Lavi Rokoika, confirmed that she is prepared for trial, while Toaisi’s attorney, Joji Cakau, also expressed readiness for trial and requested an expedited trial date.
Additionally, FICAC is expected to disclose three more documents to the defense attorneys. Ravuikadavu disclosed that FICAC intends to call 16 or more witnesses in this case. The court announced that the trial is set to commence in February of next year.
Ravu is charged with one count of abuse of office, allegedly having interfered with a legitimate Ministry of Forestry investigation into the illegal trade of prohibited species of beche-de-mer between July 25 and August 31, 2023. It is claimed that Toaisi assisted Ravu in this abuse of office while employed with the Ministry.
The case has been postponed until next month, when a pre-trial conference will take place on the 19th.