The defense attorneys representing Carpenters Fiji Managing Director Daniel Whippy and former National Fire Authority chief executive John O’Connor have requested additional time to evaluate their plea agreements. This request follows the release of new evidence to both defendants.
The case centers around a fire that occurred at Carpenters Fiji’s facility in Walu Bay, prompting an investigation by the National Fire Authority, which has led to allegations of misconduct and corruption. Whippy and O’Connor appeared in Suva Magistrate Court last Friday.
The incident in question took place at the MH warehouse in Walu Bay in 2018, with charges being filed by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). O’Connor faces a charge of abuse of office, accused of instructing NFA officers to alter the findings of a fire investigation report from April 30, 2018, during his tenure as NFA Board Chair, with the aim of benefiting personally and prejudicing the rights of the NFA.
Whippy is charged with counseling O’Connor in connection with this offense, allegedly encouraging the unlawful act.
FICAC Counsel Sera Fatafehi noted that they have received a bail variation application from Whippy, who is seeking permission to travel overseas for medical treatment. The court learned that Whippy may travel to India for knee surgery or to the United States for stem cell therapy.
FICAC opposed the bail variation, citing the need to verify Whippy’s medical documents and seek a second opinion from an orthopedic specialist. Whippy, through his counsel, expressed a preference for the stem cell treatment in the United States.
The court has scheduled the matter for mention on October 28. Additionally, a further mention for O’Connor’s plea has been set for January 13, 2025.