The Assistant Secretary for the Judicial Services Commission (JSC), Zarina Bi, recently informed the Court that there are no official records regarding the monthly superannuation payment of $1,000 to Christopher Pryde, the suspended Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). During court proceedings, Bi noted that Pryde’s employment contract does not specify any amount for his superannuation.
Bi provided details that the JSC had previously requested Pryde to clarify who authorized these payments. This request came in a letter from Acting Chief Justice Salesi Temo, who oversees the JSC. She further explained that any payment should have followed recommendations from both the Office of the Attorney-General and approval from the President, as mandated by the Constitution concerning JSC appointments.
Laurel Vaurasi from the Fiji Law Society also raised concerns about the record-keeping when Bi took on her position in 2013, confirming that the only missing documentation pertains to the $1,000 monthly payment to Pryde. Justice Tuilevuka indicated that the Court was aware the payment began when Pryde served as Solicitor-General starting in 2007, questioning whether Pryde had understood this arrangement at that time. Bi responded that this information should be part of his employment records.
The tribunal is currently addressing allegations of misbehavior related to Pryde. Additionally, it has been revealed that on February 28, 2023, Pryde was noted to have spoken with Sayed-Khaiyum for over 45 minutes while an investigation was underway, with the Criminal Investigation Department already involving the DPP’s office.
Moreover, it has been acknowledged that as of December 4, 2023, Pryde was receiving the monthly superannuation without the necessary authorization from the JSC, the Attorney-General, or the President’s office.
As this case progresses, it highlights the importance of transparency and due process within judicial appointments and the need for meticulous record-keeping. The ongoing scrutiny could serve as a catalyst for reform, ensuring that all judicial and governmental payments are duly authorized and documented, which would enhance accountability in public service.
Overall, while the situation raises concerns about the processes in place, it also opens the door for potential improvements and a more rigorous approach to governance in Fiji’s judiciary.
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