The legal proceedings for Daniel Whippy, managing director of Carpenters Fiji Limited, took a contentious turn as his lawyer dismissed the claims presented by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). In a recent court session, FICAC lawyer Sera Fatafehi argued that a stem cell procedure was available in Fiji, countering Whippy’s request for bail variation to travel to the United States for treatment on his knee.
Whippy is currently facing charges of abuse of office. During the court hearing with Magistrate Sufia Hamza, Whippy sought adjustments to his bail conditions to seek specialized treatment abroad. FICAC claimed to possess two affidavits that supported their objection to his travel, one from a FICAC Investigation Officer and another from Dr. Alvin De Asa, an orthopedic specialist at Nasese Private Hospital, who stated that local treatment options might be feasible.
Whippy’s attorney, Suruj Sharma, contested the relevance of Dr. De Asa’s statement, arguing that it did not sufficiently address the specialized nature of the stem cell procedure, which he emphasized is an invasive treatment not offered locally. While Ms. Fatafehi acknowledged challenges in confirming the availability of qualified surgeons in Fiji, she indicated there might be a local surgeon returning soon who could provide a statement.
Magistrate Hamza pressed FICAC for a timely response, suggesting that a week should have been ample time to gather necessary affidavits concerning the surgery. After a brief apology from Fatafehi regarding the rarity of the treatment in Fiji and the difficulty in confirming local expertise, Whippy’s counsel reminded the court of his client’s ongoing pain and mobility issues.
The court has provided FICAC a deadline to file the necessary affidavits by Thursday, with the next hearing scheduled for November 6, during which Whippy has been excused from attendance.
This case not only sheds light on the complexities involved in legal matters involving healthcare access but also highlights the ongoing discussions surrounding medical treatments in Fiji. It emphasizes the importance of thorough and timely communication in the legal process, as well as the challenges faced by individuals seeking specialized medical care within their local systems. Hopefully, the upcoming hearing will bring clarity and resolution for Whippy, addressing both his health needs and legal circumstances effectively.
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