Daniel Whippy, the Managing Director of Carpenters Fiji, has entered a not guilty plea in response to ongoing corruption allegations. He faces charges related to counseling an offense, in connection with former Chairman of the National Fire Authority, John O’Connor, who is charged with abuse of office.
The case stems from a fire incident at Carpenters Fiji’s MH Warehouse in Walubay, which occurred in 2018. Whippy was required to submit a plea as a condition imposed by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) to facilitate his travel to the United States for necessary knee stem cell treatment.
FICAC’s Senior State Counsel, Sera Fatafehi, advised the court that Whippy needs to plead, warning that if he fails to return, the trial could proceed without him. Whippy’s legal representation argued that he has a constitutional right to urgent medical care.
To ensure his return, the court accepted two sureties, each with a $20,000 bond. FICAC did not contest this arrangement. His passport has been returned to him to pursue a medical visa for the U.S., and he has deposited $50,000 with the court, which is ordered to remain there.
According to allegations, between January 1 and September 28, 2018, O’Connor misused his authority as Chair of the National Fire Authority Board, instructing officials to alter the findings of a fire investigation report regarding the MH Warehouse fire for personal gain. Whippy is accused of counseling O’Connor in this matter.
The next hearing is scheduled for the 19th of this month regarding the bail application, as the stop departure order remains active.
In light of the circumstances, it is promising to see a legal process being followed to ensure that all parties are able to present their cases. The focus will now be on the upcoming proceedings, which will clarify the situation further.
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