The managing director of Carpenters Fiji Limited, Daniel Kinston Whippy, has entered a plea of not guilty to allegations from the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). This plea was made during a bail variation hearing in the Suva Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Sufia Hamza.
Whippy is facing charges related to his involvement in altering the findings of a Fire Investigation Report connected to a fire incident at the Morris Hedstrom warehouse in Walu Bay, which occurred on April 8, 2018. The prosecution claims this was done for personal gain.
In court, a mutual agreement was noted regarding the lack of stem cell procedures available in Fiji. FICAC lawyer Sera Fatafehi suggested that to facilitate Whippy’s travel, specific conditions must be met. These involve maintaining a $50,000 cash bail held by the court, the bonding of two sureties at $20,000 each on a non-cash basis, the release of his passport before the end of the business day, and an ongoing stop departure order pending the results of a visa application.
FICAC raised concerns over the potential for Whippy to flee. In response, defense lawyer Stephen Stanton emphasized that Whippy’s wife would accompany him during travel, with his son as a backup option if necessary. Fatafehi confirmed no admissions were made during Whippy’s caution interview, and both parties agreed to pursue the case in Magistrate’s Court.
Whippy’s secondary lawyer, Suruj Sharma, noted that while a visa application has been filed online, an in-person interview is necessary, which will delay the process by approximately three weeks as the U.S. Embassy handles the application. The court will reconvene on November 11 to revisit the stop departure order.
This situation underscores the complexities involved in legal proceedings, particularly when influenced by international travel and procedural requirements. Regardless of the challenges, it remains hopeful that a fair resolution will be achieved in this case, fostering an environment of accountability and justice.
Summary: Daniel Kinston Whippy, managing director of Carpenters Fiji Limited, pleads not guilty to FICAC charges concerning a 2018 fire incident. The court set conditions for his bail, including maintaining a cash bond and a stop departure order. Future hearings are scheduled as the legal process unfolds.
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