Former Fisheries and Forestry Minister Kalaveti Ravu will have to wait until next year to learn the outcome of his legal case. He is charged with one count of abuse of office, while former Regional Manager North Tekata Toaisi faces allegations of aiding and abetting, to which he pleaded not guilty.
Ravu and Toaisi appeared in the Suva Magistrates Court before Magistrate Jeremaia Savou. Toaisi’s not guilty plea relates to accusations of assisting Ravu in misusing his office. FICAC Counsel Lavenia Ravuikadavu stated there were no admissions made during the caution interview.
Ravu’s attorney, Lavi Rokoika, confirmed she is prepared for trial, while Toaisi’s lawyer, Joji Cakau, also expressed readiness and requested an early trial date. FICAC still needs to disclose three additional documents to the defense, and the prosecution plans to call 16 or more witnesses.
The trial is scheduled to commence in February of next year. The allegations against Ravu indicate that between July 25 and August 31, 2023, he interfered in a Ministry of Forestry investigation concerning the illegal trade of banned beche-de-mer species. Toaisi is accused of aiding Ravu in this misconduct. The case has been adjourned until the 19th of next month for a pre-trial conference.