Daniel Whippy, the Managing Director of Carpenters Fiji, has entered a plea of not guilty regarding the corruption charges filed against him. The charges include one count of ‘counselling for the omission of the offense’ related to a case involving John O’Connor, the former Chairman of the National Fire Authority, who faces a charge of ‘abuse of office.’
The case stems from a fire incident that took place at the Carpenters Fiji-owned MH Warehouse in Walubay in 2018. As part of the conditions imposed by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) to allow Whippy to travel for urgent knee stem cell treatment in the United States, he was required to make a plea.
FICAC’s Senior State Counsel, Sera Fatafehi, expressed the necessity for Whippy to enter a plea, warning that should he fail to return to Fiji, the trial would proceed in his absence. Whippy’s attorney emphasized his constitutional right to urgent medical care.
The court has provisionally accepted two sureties with $20,000 bonds each to ensure Whippy’s return. FICAC did not oppose this arrangement. Additionally, Whippy’s passport has been released to facilitate his application for a medical visa to the U.S. He has also deposited $50,000 with the court, which is to remain as a security measure.
The allegations against O’Connor include misuse of his authority while serving as the Chair of the National Fire Authority Board, specifically directing officers to alter the findings of a fire investigation report, which is believed to have harmed the interests of the authority for personal gain. It is alleged that Whippy counselled O’Connor in this misconduct.
The case is scheduled for a mention regarding the bail application on the 19th of this month, while a stop departure order remains in effect.
This situation highlights the ongoing efforts to uphold accountability and transparency within organizations, showcasing legal processes that aim to address potential wrongdoing. It’s an important reminder that due process remains fundamental in tackling corruption while ensuring the rights of individuals involved are protected. Such measures contribute to a hopeful future of integrity in governance and business practices in Fiji.
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