Tensions were palpable during a bail variation hearing for Daniel Whippy, the managing director of Carpenters Fiji. The main issue at hand was whether he could undergo a necessary medical procedure in Fiji.
Mr. Whippy appeared before Senior Magistrate Sufia Hamza, facing a charge of counseling the commission of an offense. Prosecutor Sera Fatafehi stated that the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) remained firmly opposed to the bail variation that would allow Mr. Whippy to travel abroad for a knee replacement surgery.
Magistrate Hamza inquired if local treatment was feasible, to which it was noted that a local doctor was familiar with the required procedure but was unavailable to provide input. According to a doctor at Nasese private hospital, while Mr. Whippy needed a knee replacement, the procedure was not deemed urgent.
Defense attorney Suruj Sharma urged the court and prosecution to take into consideration Mr. Whippy’s condition, stating that he has been suffering severe pain daily.
Mr. Whippy is charged alongside John O’Connor, the former CEO of the National Fire Authority, who faces a charge of abuse of office. Both men are accused of manipulating the findings of an investigation related to a fire at an MH warehouse in April 2018. Mr. O’Connor allegedly instructed NFA officers to alter the authority’s investigation report for personal gain, while Mr. Whippy is accused of advising O’Connor to commit the offense.
The case has been adjourned until October 31, and the bail variation hearing is scheduled for November 6.
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