Christopher Pryde, the suspended Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), has voiced his frustration regarding the rescheduling of his tribunal hearing. In a statement released last month, Jalesi Temo, the Acting Chief Justice and Chairman of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), announced that Mr. Pryde had been notified of the intended hearing date. The hearing was originally slated to take place from next Monday through August 30.
However, Mr. Pryde revealed yesterday that he has been informed that these dates have been cancelled. “I have been advised that the proposed tribunal hearing dates of 19 to 31 August 2024 have been vacated,” he noted. He expressed disappointment that the tribunal, consisting of three judges, has not yet provided him with the necessary disclosures to fully comprehend the allegations against him regarding superannuation.
Mr. Pryde was suspended from his position as DPP last April, a decision he believes stemmed from an incident where he was seen conversing with the former Attorney General at an official event. A year later, the JSC added an allegation concerning overpayment of superannuation, which he has denied.
“I am dismayed that I have still not received the required disclosures and the tribunal has yet to set a hearing date, and my salary continues to be suspended five weeks after the Prime Minister stated it should be paid,” he stated. Mr. Pryde emphasized that the ongoing situation is approaching its 17th month without resolution, and the JSC has refused to address the issue regarding the suspension of his salary. Efforts to contact the JSC for a response are currently underway.