Fiji’s Carpenters MD Stands Firm: Not Guilty Plea Amid Corruption Charges

The managing director of Carpenters Fiji Limited, Daniel Kinston Whippy, has entered a not guilty plea in response to charges brought against him by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). He appeared before Magistrate Sufia Hamza at the Suva Magistrate’s Court for a bail variation hearing regarding accusations of attempting to alter the findings of a Fire Investigation Report related to a 2018 incident at the Morris Hedstrom warehouse in Walu Bay.

During the hearing, an agreement was reached on the unavailability of stem cell procedures in Fiji. FICAC lawyer Sera Fatafehi outlined the conditions necessary for Whippy’s travel, which included maintaining the existing $50,000 cash bail bond, having his two sureties bonded with a non-cash bond of $20,000 each, the conditional release of his passport, and a stop departure order pending the outcome of their visa application.

The objection to bail was raised by FICAC on the grounds of potential flight risk. Ms. Fatafehi emphasized the need for increased financial stakes to ensure cooperation in the proceedings. Defense attorney Stephen Stanton mentioned that Whippy’s wife would accompany him during travel but also nominated his son as an alternative if needed.

FICAC confirmed that Whippy made no admissions during his caution interview, and both sides agreed on having the case heard at the Magistrate’s Court level. Whippy’s additional counsel, Suruj Sharma, informed the court that a passport is required for an in-person interview related to his visa application, which may take approximately three weeks for processing by the United States Embassy. The next hearing is set for November 11, at which the stop departure order will be revisited.

This case highlights the ongoing efforts by authorities to combat corruption and ensure accountability in business practices. As the legal proceedings unfold, there remains a chance for the accused to clear his name and for the judicial system to reinforce its commitment to upholding the rule of law in Fiji.