A tribunal is currently investigating suspended Director of Public Prosecutions, Christopher Pryde, with several government officials providing witness testimonies. Among them are Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga, Minister for Sugar Industry Charan Jeath Singh, Assistant Minister for Agriculture Tomasi Tunabuna, and Permanent Secretary for Civil Service.
During the proceedings, Assistant Minister Tunabuna voiced concerns about the appropriateness of Pryde and former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum being seen together in public. He emphasized that their conversation, which lasted over 30 minutes, raised significant issues given the context of ongoing media reports regarding an active investigation involving Sayed-Khaiyum.
Tunabuna noted that the pair’s proximity at a bar table made it impossible for him not to notice their interaction, although he admitted that he could not hear what was said. He stated that he interpreted the serious expressions on their faces as indicative of the gravity of their discussions. Additionally, Tunabuna confirmed that a photograph he took was submitted as part of the evidence in the complaint initiated by the Minister for Justice.
Roopesh Singh, representing the Fiji Law Society, pointed out that while today’s witnesses had no direct knowledge of the conversation, their testimonies were based solely on their perceptions of the individuals’ body language and the meeting’s context. He urged the Court to consider that all witness testimonies reflect their subjective interpretations rather than factual accounts of the conversation.
The tribunal proceedings have been adjourned and are scheduled to continue tomorrow at 10 AM.
This investigation underscores the significance of maintaining professional boundaries within public service, particularly in instances involving ongoing legal matters. It also reflects the judiciary’s commitment to upholding integrity within the country’s legal framework. The outcomes of this tribunal could serve as a reminder for public officials about the importance of perception and accountability in their actions.
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