The defense lawyers for Daniel Whippy, Managing Director of Carpenters Fiji, and John O’Connor, former chief executive of the National Fire Authority, have requested additional time to evaluate their plea agreements. This request follows the receipt of new disclosures relevant to their cases.
The allegations center around a fire incident that occurred at Carpenters Fiji’s facility in Walu Bay, prompting an investigation by the NFA and subsequent charges of misconduct and corruption. Both Whippy and O’Connor appeared before the Suva Magistrate Court last Friday regarding the case linked to a fire at the MH warehouse in Walu Bay that took place in 2018, with charges filed by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC).
O’Connor faces a single count of abuse of office, accused of instructing NFA officers to alter findings in a fire investigation report related to the MH warehouse fire, which was dated April 30, 2018. This alleged action is said to have been detrimental to the NFA’s interests and intended for personal gain.
Whippy is charged with counseling O’Connor in this unlawful endeavor, specifically for encouraging the omission of the offense.
FICAC Counsel Sera Fatafehi informed the court that they received a bail variation request from Whippy, who seeks authorization to travel for medical treatment. Whippy expressed a desire to undergo knee surgery in India or stem cell treatment in the United States. FICAC opposed this bail variation, citing the necessity to verify the medical documents and obtain a second opinion from another orthopedic specialist.
Kings Counsel Stephen Stanton mentioned to the court that Whippy favors the option of stem cell treatment in the United States. The proceedings have been postponed until October 28 for further discussions, while O’Connor’s case is scheduled for a plea hearing on January 13, 2025.