Christopher Pryde, the suspended Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), has voiced his frustration over the delay in the tribunal hearing for his case. The acting Chief Justice and Chairman of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), Jalesi Temo, announced last month that Mr. Pryde had been informed about the scheduled hearing dates. This hearing was set to take place from next Monday until August 30.
However, Mr. Pryde revealed yesterday that he was notified that the hearing has been postponed. “I have been advised that the proposed tribunal hearing dates of August 19 to 31, 2024, have been vacated,” he stated. He expressed disappointment that the tribunal, comprised of three judges, has not provided him with the necessary disclosures to fully understand the allegations against him concerning superannuation.
Mr. Pryde was suspended from his DPP role in April of the previous year, which he attributed to being seen talking with the former Attorney General at an official event. A year later, the JSC added a charge of excessive superannuation payments, which Mr. Pryde has contested.
“I am dismayed that I have still not received the required disclosures, and the tribunal has yet to establish a hearing date while my salary remains suspended five weeks after the Prime Minister indicated it should continue to be paid,” said Mr. Pryde. “This situation will soon extend into its 17th month without a resolution, and the JSC has refused to engage in discussions regarding the unilateral suspension of my salary.”
The publication has reached out to the JSC for a response and is currently awaiting their reply.