Daniel Kinston Whippy, the managing director of Carpenters Fiji Limited, has pleaded not guilty to charges brought against him by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). Whippy faced the court under Magistrate Sufia Hamza for a bail variation hearing concerning allegations of attempting to manipulate the findings of a Fire Investigation Report linked to an incident at the Morris Hedstrom warehouse in Walu Bay on April 8, 2018.
During the proceedings, an agreement has been reached regarding the unavailability of stem cell procedures in Fiji. FICAC lawyer Sera Fatafehi outlined conditions for Whippy’s travel, emphasizing concerns that he might abscond bail. The conditions include maintaining a $50,000 cash bail bond, ensuring his two sureties provide non-cash bail bonds of $20,000 each, and the release of his passport, pending a stop departure order until a visa application is resolved.
FICAC opposed bail on the grounds that it was crucial to increase both the accused’s and the sureties’ financial involvement in the situation. Defense lawyer Stephen Stanton mentioned that Whippy’s wife would accompany him during travel, with their son as an alternative if needed. Fatafehi confirmed that Whippy did not make any admissions during his caution interview, and both parties consented to have the case heard in the Magistrate’s Court.
Whippy’s second lawyer, Suruj Sharma, stated that an online visa application has been submitted, noting that an in-person interview at the U.S. Embassy will require his passport, which may take about three weeks to process. The case is scheduled for another hearing on November 11, when the stop departure order will be discussed.
This situation illustrates the diligent efforts of both the defense and prosecution in navigating the legal processes involved. With the next court date approaching, there is hope that the proceedings will provide clarity for all parties involved, and potentially lead to a resolution that upholds the principles of justice.
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