Christopher Pryde, the suspended Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), has voiced his frustration regarding the delay in the scheduled tribunal hearing for his case.
Last month, Jalesi Temo, the Acting Chief Justice and Chairman of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), announced that Mr. Pryde had been notified about the hearing dates. The hearing was set to take place from next Monday through August 30. However, Mr. Pryde reported yesterday that he has been informed that these dates have been postponed.
“I have been advised that the proposed tribunal hearing dates of 19 to 31 August 2024 have been vacated,” stated Mr. Pryde. He expressed disappointment that the three-member tribunal has not provided him with the necessary disclosures to comprehend the charges he faces concerning his superannuation.
Mr. Pryde was suspended from his DPP role last April, a move he attributes to having been seen conversing with the former Attorney-General during an official event. A year later, he faced an additional allegation regarding being overpaid superannuation, a claim he denies.
“I am dismayed that I have still not received the required disclosures and that the tribunal has yet to set a hearing date, while my salary remains suspended five weeks after the Prime Minister indicated it should continue being paid,” he said.
This situation is on the verge of entering its 17th month without a resolution, and Mr. Pryde highlighted the JSC’s refusal to address the issue of his salary suspension. The media has contacted the JSC for a response and is awaiting further information.