Daniel Whippy, Managing Director of Carpenters Fiji, has entered a not guilty plea concerning allegations of corruption against him. The charges he faces include one count of “counselling for the omission of the offense,” linked to a case involving John O’Connor, the former Chairman of the National Fire Authority, who is charged with “abuse of office.”
These allegations stem from a fire incident that took place in 2018 at the Carpenters Fiji property MH Warehouse in Walubay. As part of proceedings involving the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), Whippy was required to make a plea to facilitate his travel to the United States for essential knee stem cell treatment.
FICAC’s Senior State Counsel, Sera Fatafehi, indicated that if Whippy does not return, the trial would continue in his absence. Whippy’s attorney argued that he has a constitutional right to health care and urgently needs the treatment. The court has conditionally released Whippy’s passport to enable him to apply for a medical visa to the U.S., having accepted two sureties of $20,000 each to ensure he does not evade bail.
Whippy also deposited $50,000 in court, which will remain there. It is alleged that between January and September 2018, O’Connor, while serving as the Chair of the National Fire Authority Board, misused his office by directing changes to the fire investigation report concerning the MH Warehouse incident, which could have led to personal gain. Whippy is accused of having counseled O’Connor to commit this offense.
The case is set to resume on the 19th of this month for a mention regarding the bail application that awaits the outcome of Whippy’s visa application, and a stop departure order remains in effect.
Despite the serious charges, this situation highlights the importance of due process and individual rights within the legal framework. Whippy’s urgent health needs and the legal proceedings illustrate the balance that must be maintained between accountability and individual rights in such cases. There is hope that a fair resolution can be reached, prioritizing both justice and health.
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