Carpenters Fiji Ltd’s managing director, Daniel Whippy, along with former National Fire Authority board chairman, John O’Connor, is set to testify in a trial scheduled to begin in November 2024. Senior Magistrate Sufia Hamza has established a three-week period for the trial, commencing on November 3 in Suva.
O’Connor faces charges of abuse of office for personal gain, while Whippy is charged with counselling the commission of an offense. Both defendants are accused of altering the findings from investigations regarding a fire that occurred at an MH warehouse in April 2018.
Prosecutor Mary Takinana plans to present 38 witnesses during the trial, whereas the defendants will bring forth a combined total of six witnesses, which includes both Whippy and O’Connor.
In a related development, the court has approved Whippy’s request to travel to India for knee treatment. He is expected to leave on February 1 and return on March 6, having submitted a $50,000 security bond prior to his travels.
The case will reconvene for trial on the scheduled date in November. This forthcoming trial will certainly capture public attention as it delves into significant allegations involving prominent figures and the integrity of official investigations.
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