The tribunal addressing the misconduct allegations against reinstated Director of Public Prosecutions, Christopher Pryde, has incurred a cost of FJD 88,597.45 for Fijian taxpayers. This information comes from a report released by the Office of the President, which detailed the tribunal’s expenses.
Chaired by Justice Anare Tuilevuka, the tribunal included Justices Chaitanya Lakshman and Samuela Qica, all of whom were sworn in by former President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere on March 5, 2024. Initially, the tribunal was mandated to operate for three months, but this was extended twice. The first extension was granted on May 10, 2024, to allow for further investigation into a second allegation against Mr. Pryde, which involved him allegedly receiving US$1,000 (FJD 2,313) monthly in superannuation from March 2012 to July 2023 without appropriate approvals.
A further extension was added, pushing the tribunal’s assignment to December 23, 2024, after the President received advice from the Judicial Service Commission. To support its operations, the tribunal appointed legal counsel, investigators, and administrative staff, conducting twenty-nine briefings before the hearings, which took place over a span of five days in early December.
Despite the financial implications, this process underscores a commitment to ensuring accountability and proper conduct within public offices, fostering a legal environment where oversight is prioritized.
In summary, while the costs associated with the tribunal may be seen as substantial, they reflect an important investment in maintaining the integrity of public service in Fiji. This situation presents an opportunity for strengthening procedural adherence and restoring public confidence in governmental institutions.
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