Suspended Director of Public Prosecutions Christopher Pryde has voiced his frustration over the postponement of the tribunal hearing regarding his case. In a statement released last month, Jalesi Temo, Acting Chief Justice and Chairman of the Judicial Service Commission, announced that Mr. Pryde had been notified of the upcoming hearing date.
Originally set to take place from next Monday until August 30, Mr. Pryde learned yesterday that this hearing has now been rescheduled. He stated, “I have been advised that the proposed tribunal hearing dates of 19 to 31 August 2024 have been vacated.”
Mr. Pryde expressed his disappointment, noting that he still has not received necessary disclosures from the panel of three judges tasked with addressing allegations against him, particularly concerning superannuation issues. He was suspended from his DPP position last April, an action he believes was prompted by his interaction with the former Attorney General at an official event. A year later, the Judicial Service Commission introduced a charge regarding his alleged overpayment of superannuation, which he has denied.
“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 stated it should continue. This matter is soon to enter its 17th month with no resolution, and the JSC refuses to address the unilateral suspension of my salary,” Mr. Pryde added.
This publication has contacted the Judicial Service Commission for further comments and is currently awaiting a response.