The defense attorneys representing Daniel Whippy, Managing Director of Carpenters Fiji, and John O’Connor, former chief executive of the National Fire Authority, have requested additional time to review their plea agreements following new disclosures in the case.
The allegations at hand involve a fire at Carpenters Fiji’s facility in Walu Bay, which prompted an investigation by the NFA, resulting in charges related to misconduct and corruption. The two accused individuals appeared before the Suva Magistrate Court last Friday.
This case pertains to a fire at the MH warehouse in Walu Bay that occurred in 2018, with both men facing charges from the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). O’Connor is charged with one count of abuse of office, accused of instructing NFA officers to alter findings in a fire investigation report dated April 30, 2018, during his tenure as NFA Board Chair between January and September 2018. FICAC claims this action was detrimental to the NFA’s rights and intended for personal gain.
Whippy is charged with one count of counseling O’Connor in the commission of the offense, alleged to have encouraged O’Connor to carry out the unlawful act.
During the proceedings, FICAC Counsel Sera Fatafehi announced they received a bail variation application from Whippy, who is seeking permission to travel abroad for medical treatment. The court learned that Whippy is considering traveling to India for knee surgery or to the United States for stem cell treatment.
FICAC opposed the bail variation, citing the need for time to verify Whippy’s medical documents and to seek a second opinion from another orthopedic specialist. Kings Counsel Stephen Stanton informed the court that Whippy favors the stem cell treatment option in the United States.
The court has adjourned the matter to October 28 for further discussions, with the case scheduled for another mention on January 13, 2025, to take O’Connor’s plea.