The tribunal hearings regarding accusations of misconduct against the suspended Director of Public Prosecutions, Christopher Pryde, are ongoing today at the Court of Appeal in Veiuto, Suva. Key figures expected to testify include the Minister for Sugar, Charan Jeath Singh, the Permanent Secretary for Finance, Shiri Goundar, acting Chief Justice Justice Salesi Temo, and the Secretary for the Judicial Services Commission.
This tribunal is examining allegations of misbehavior, with a focus on whether it should recommend Christopher Pryde’s removal from his position as DPP to His Excellency the President. Key points of concern include:
– On February 28, 2023, Pryde was reported to have a lengthy conversation lasting over 45 minutes with Sayed-Khaiyum while the Criminal Investigation Department was investigating him, despite the investigation file already being with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
– Additionally, on December 4, 2023, it came to light that Pryde was receiving a monthly superannuation payment of US$1000 without the necessary approvals from the Judicial Services Commission, the Office of the Attorney-General, or the Office of the President.
The tribunal’s proceedings are chaired by Justices Anare Tuilevuka, Samuela Qica, and Chaitanya Lakshman, with the session scheduled to commence at noon.
This case highlights the ongoing efforts to maintain accountability within public offices, an essential aspect of good governance. As the hearing unfolds, it promises to shed light on the mechanisms of oversight within the judiciary and may ultimately lead to positive reforms in the system. The participation of such high-level officials in the testimony reflects the seriousness of the allegations and the importance of transparency in how such matters are addressed.
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