Carpenters Fiji Managing Director Daniel Whippy has entered a plea of not guilty to the corruption charges brought against him. He faces a charge of ‘counselling for the omission of the offense’ in connection with former National Fire Authority Chairman John O’Connor, who is accused of ‘abuse of office.’
These allegations stem from a fire incident that occurred at Carpenters Fiji’s MH Warehouse in Walu Bay in 2018. The court proceedings require Whippy to make a plea part of the conditions set by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) to permit his travel to the United States for urgent knee stem cell treatment.
FICAC’s Senior State Counsel, Sera Fatafehi, noted that Whippy’s plea was important, as failure to return to Fiji could result in the trial proceeding without him. Whippy’s attorney emphasized that his client, under the Constitution, has the right to health care, underscoring the urgency of his treatment.
The court has agreed to two sureties, each worth $20,000, to ensure that Whippy does not flee. FICAC did not object to the approval of these sureties. Whippy’s passport has been released to allow him to apply for a medical visa to the United States, despite a $50,000 deposit he made to the court’s registry being retained.
The accusations detail that from January 1 to September 28, 2018, O’Connor allegedly misused his position by improperly instructing National Fire Authority officers to modify their investigation report of the fire, an act that was reportedly detrimental to the authority’s rights for personal gain. Whippy is alleged to have advised O’Connor in this matter.
The case has been postponed to the 19th of this month for further discussions on the bail request pending Whippy’s visa application, with a stop departure order still in effect.
This situation highlights the ongoing efforts to uphold accountability in corporate governance and public service. It’s a reminder of the importance of due process, as Whippy seeks necessary medical treatment while navigating these legal challenges.
Summary: Daniel Whippy, Managing Director of Carpenters Fiji, pleads not guilty to corruption charges linked to a 2018 fire incident at MH Warehouse. He is required to plead for travel to the U.S. for medical treatment and faces serious allegations alongside a former public official. The case reflects broader issues of integrity and accountability in business practices.
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