Daniel Kinston Whippy, the managing director of Carpenters Fiji Limited, has entered a not guilty plea regarding charges brought against him by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). He appeared in Suva Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Sufia Hamza yesterday for a bail variation hearing.
Whippy faces allegations of counseling the commission of an offense to alter findings from the Fire Investigation Report related to an incident that took place on April 8, 2018, at the Morris Hedstrom warehouse in Walu Bay for personal gain.
In court, FICAC lawyer Sera Fatafehi outlined conditions for Whippy’s bail that aimed to mitigate concerns regarding the possibility of him absconding. These conditions include maintaining his existing cash bail bond of $50,000, requiring his sureties to provide a non-cash bail bond of $20,000 each, the release of his passport by the end of the day, and a continuation of his stop departure order until the results of his visa application are determined.
Fatafehi expressed reservations about Whippy’s potential to violate bail conditions, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that both Whippy and his sureties were financially invested in the legal proceedings. Whippy’s defense counsel, Stephen Stanton, mentioned that his wife would accompany him during his travels, while his son has been suggested as an alternative companion if needed.
FICAC acknowledged that Whippy made no admissions during his cautionary interview, and both parties agreed to have the case heard in the Magistrate’s Court. Defense attorney Suruj Sharma added that an online application had been submitted for Whippy’s visa, which requires his passport for an in-person interview; estimated processing time at the U.S. Embassy is around three weeks.
The case is scheduled to be revisited on November 11, when further discussion regarding the stop departure order will take place.
This case highlights the significant legal proceedings and potential implications for Whippy, but it is also important to remember the concept of ‘innocent until proven guilty.’ The outcome could shape future discussions around corporate governance and transparency in Fiji’s business sector, potentially leading to improved practices in the industry.
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