The defense attorneys representing Carpenters Fiji Managing Director Daniel Whippy and former National Fire Authority CEO John O’Connor have asked for additional time to review their plea agreements. This request comes after a new set of disclosures was provided to the accused.
The case centers around a fire that occurred at Carpenters Fiji’s property in Walu Bay, prompting an investigation by the NFA and leading to charges of misconduct and corruption against both individuals. Whippy and O’Connor appeared in Suva Magistrate Court last Friday.
The fire, which took place in 2018 at the MH warehouse in Walu Bay, has resulted in charges from the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). O’Connor faces a charge of abuse of office, allegedly directing NFA officers to alter findings in a fire investigation report relevant to the incident, which he is accused of doing for personal gain while serving as the NFA Board Chair from January to September 2018.
Whippy, on the other hand, is charged with counseling O’Connor in the commission of this alleged offense. FICAC Counsel Sera Fatafehi indicated that they received a bail variation application from Whippy, who is seeking permission to travel overseas for medical treatment. The court learned that Whippy plans to either undergo knee surgery in India or pursue stem cell treatment in the United States.
FICAC has opposed the bail variation, requesting time to confirm the validity of the medical documents and to obtain a second opinion from another orthopedic specialist. King’s Counsel Stephen Stanton informed the court that Whippy is leaning toward the stem cell treatment option in the U.S.
The case has been adjourned until October 28 for mention, with further proceedings scheduled for January 13, 2025, to take O’Connor’s plea.