The Acting Chief Justice and Chairperson of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), Salesi Temo, has labeled the suspended Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Christopher Pryde’s monthly superannuation payment of US$1000 as “theft.” This assertion was made during the third day of Pryde’s tribunal hearing, held at the Veiuto Court Complex.
The tribunal is examining two primary allegations against Pryde: firstly, a photograph featuring him with former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum at a diplomatic event dated February 28, 2023; and secondly, unauthorized superannuation payments amounting to US$1000 per month, which have reportedly accumulated to over FJ$288,000 since 2012.
Justice Temo countered claims from the media that characterized the payments as mere over-compensation, insisting instead that they constituted outright theft. He revealed that investigations by the JSC found no evidence of proper authorization for these payments. He pointed out that any such transactions must involve consultations with the Attorney-General’s office and approval from the President, none of which occurred in Pryde’s case. The payments were halted in July 2023 as investigations began, and Justice Temo remarked that Pryde’s defense based on his contract was insufficient to validate the payments.
On the matter of the photograph with Sayed-Khaiyum, Justice Temo criticized Pryde for associating with someone involved in ongoing political issues, suggesting that such an image could imply unintended narratives. He reiterated the ethical obligation for judicial and office holders to maintain neutrality in both professional and personal conduct.
In a response to Pryde’s concerns regarding financial strain due to his salary suspension, Justice Temo dismissed such claims as unfounded, pointing out that the Constitution allows for legal aid or self-representation. The tribunal is set to continue its proceedings today.
This situation highlights the critical importance of transparency and accountability in public office. As the hearing unfolds, it is a chance for the judicial system to reaffirm its commitment to ethical standards, ensuring that those in positions of authority are held to high accountability. This narrative serves as a reminder of the significance of ethical behavior in governance and the necessity of upholding the rule of law. It is hoped that the outcome of this tribunal leads to a reinforcing of these vital principles in the justice system.
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