Daniel Kinston Whippy, the managing director of Carpenters Fiji Limited, has entered a plea of not guilty to allegations made against him by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). This was presented during his bail variation hearing, which took place yesterday in front of Magistrate Sufia Hamza at the Suva Magistrate’s Court.
Whippy faces serious charges involving counseling the alteration of the Fire Investigation Report concerning a significant incident on April 8, 2018, at the Morris Hedstrom warehouse in Walu Bay, with the intent for personal gain. During the proceedings, it was revealed that both parties have acknowledged a recent agreement about the lack of stem cell procedures available in the country.
FICAC’s lawyer, Sera Fatafehi, informed the court that for Whippy to be permitted to travel, he must meet four specific conditions. These include maintaining the $50,000 cash bail already lodged, having two sureties bound on a non-cash bail bond of $20,000 each, receiving his passport by the end of the business day, and adhering to a stop departure order until the defense can resolve a visa application.
Fatafehi argued against granting bail on the basis that there is a significant risk Whippy may abscond. She underscored the need to elevate the bail amount for both the accused and his sureties to ensure their commitment to the proceedings. In contrast, Whippy’s defense counsel, Stephen Stanton, highlighted that Whippy’s wife would accompany him during travel, with their son as a backup option if FICAC objects to her presence.
It was confirmed that Whippy did not make any admissions during his caution interview, and both parties consented to the case being heard in the Magistrate’s Court. Whippy’s second attorney, Suruj Sharma, mentioned that an application for a visa has been submitted online, but the in-person interview necessitates the use of his passport, which the United States Embassy estimates will take about three weeks to process.
The case is set to be reviewed again on November 11, at which point the stop departure order will be re-evaluated.
This legal matter sheds light on the ongoing issues regarding accountability and corruption in corporate governance. It highlights the importance of due process as the case moves forward, and it is hopeful that a resolution will be achieved that reinforces integrity within business practices in Fiji.
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