Christopher Pryde, the suspended Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), has voiced his frustration regarding the delay of the tribunal hearing related to his case. In a statement released last month, Jalesi Temo, the Acting Chief Justice and Chairman of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), had informed Pryde of a proposed hearing date.
Originally set to take place from next Monday until August 30, the hearing has now been postponed. Pryde confirmed yesterday that he has been notified of this change.
“I have been advised that the proposed tribunal hearing dates of 19 to 31 August 2024 have been vacated,” he stated. He expressed disappointment that the panel of three judges assigned to his case has yet to provide the necessary documentation for him to fully understand the allegations regarding his superannuation.
Pryde was suspended from his position last April, a decision he attributed to an incident where he was seen conversing with the former Attorney General at an official event. A year later, the JSC added a charge alleging that he was overpaid superannuation, which he denies.
“I am dismayed that I have still not received the required disclosures, the tribunal has yet to set a hearing date, and my salary continues to be suspended five weeks after the Prime Minister stated that it should remain payable,” Pryde said. He noted that the situation has extended into its 17th month without resolution, with the JSC refusing to address the issue of the suspension of his salary.
The media has reached out to the JSC for comment and is awaiting a response.