Shiri Gounder, the Permanent Secretary for Finance, clarified that the superannuation payments to the suspended Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) were executed directly by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) through manual telegraphic transfers, as these were international payments.
During testimony at the tribunal examining the situation, Gounder explained that the ODPP processed these superannuation payments independently, without any involvement from the Ministry of Finance. He further emphasized that the DPP’s employment contract included a provision allowing the officer to choose to continue contributions to their domestic superannuation scheme, participate in the local scheme under the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF), or contribute to an alternative fund of their choice.
Regarding the DPP’s salary, Gounder stated that the Ministry of Finance has been fulfilling salary payments as per the contractual agreements made between the DPP and the President of the Republic. These salary payments are facilitated through the government’s payroll system, ensuring that all civil servants receive their salaries and benefits according to their contracts while adhering to the mandated FNPF contribution rates.
Additionally, Gounder noted that the DPP holds the authority within the ODPP to manage and administer any funds allocated by Parliament. The tribunal proceedings have been adjourned for further deliberation at a later date.
In summary, Gounder’s statements establish that the administrative financial processes for the DPP’s payments are consistent with both legal and contractual obligations, reinforcing the structured governance of financial transactions within government agencies. It reflects an ongoing commitment to uphold procedural integrity, an important aspect as investigations continue.
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