Former Fisheries and Forestry Minister Kalaveti Ravu will have to wait until next year to learn the outcome of his case. Ravu faces charges alongside former Regional Manager North, Tekata Toaisi, who entered a plea of ‘not guilty’ today to accusations of aiding and abetting.
The pair appeared in Suva Magistrates Court before Magistrate Jeremaia Savou, where Toaisi pleaded not guilty to a count of aiding and abetting abuse of office.
FICAC Counsel Lavenia Ravuikadavu stated in court that there was no admission made during the caution interview. Ravu’s attorney, Lavi Rokoika, indicated readiness for trial, while Toaisi’s lawyer, Joji Cakau, also expressed readiness and is requesting an expedited trial date.
Additionally, FICAC has yet to disclose three more documents to the defense. Ravuikadavu noted that FICAC plans to call 16 or more witnesses in the case. The court has scheduled the trial to commence in February of next year.
Ravu is charged with one count of abuse of office, alleged to have occurred between July 25 and August 31, 2023, during which he is accused of interfering with a Ministry of Forestry investigation into the illegal trade of banned species of beche-de-mer. Toaisi is alleged to have aided Ravu in this offense while employed by the Ministry.
The case has been adjourned until the 19th of next month for a pre-trial conference.