DPP’s Return to Fiji Delayed Amid Ongoing Allegations

Christopher Pryde, the reinstated Director of Public Prosecutions in Fiji, has announced a further postponement of his return to the country as he awaits a response from the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) regarding a complaint lodged against him. The complaint was initially made by the former Acting DPP, Nancy Tikoisuva. In his latest statement, Pryde outlined the timeline of events, noting that he had written to the Chief Justice on January 23, 2025, addressing the renewed allegations made against him and providing a detailed response to each point.

Pryde emphasized his call for the JSC to dismiss the complaint, describing the allegations as misconceived, baseless, and trivial. He also highlighted concerns about the motives behind the complaint, pointing out that the information used was a part of his personal file, which had been with the JSC for 21 months. He suggested that the complaint may have been made with malicious intent to tarnish his reputation and that of his colleagues in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).

In a follow-up correspondence to the Chief Justice on January 31, 2025, Pryde expressed his frustration over not receiving any feedback from the JSC and requested an extension of his leave. He stated that returning to Fiji under these uncertain circumstances would be challenging, particularly with the risk of another suspension looming over him.

In the interim, Pryde has delegated his responsibilities to Assistant DPP Pauline Madanavosa, with whom he has regular communication to ensure the ongoing operations of the office are maintained. He expressed confidence in her management skills and looks forward to returning to his duties once the JSC resolves the matter.

This ongoing situation highlights the complexities surrounding leadership within Fiji’s legal system and the impacts of unresolved issues on public service roles. Pryde’s situation exemplifies the importance of transparent procedures within institutions to ensure that justice and accountability are upheld without unnecessary delays.