The Acting Chief Justice and Chairperson of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), Salesi Temo, has labeled the suspended Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Christopher Pryde, as having committed “theft” concerning his alleged unauthorized superannuation payments of US$1,000 per month. This declaration was made during Pryde’s tribunal hearing at the Veiuto Court Complex, marking the third day of proceedings.
The tribunal is focused on two primary allegations against Pryde: a photograph taken with former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum at a diplomatic event on February 28, 2023, and the disputed superannuation payments, which reportedly amount to over FJ$288,000 since 2012. Justice Temo disputed media interpretations that described these payments as mere over-compensation, asserting that they were instead a clear case of theft, emphasizing that no formal authorization was found for these payments during the JSC’s investigation. He stated that such payments typically require authorization from both the Attorney-General’s office and the President, neither of which was obtained.
The payments were halted in July 2023 when investigations into the matter began. Justice Temo insisted that any contractual defense raised by Pryde did not sufficiently justify these unauthorized transactions.
Moreover, Temo expressed concern regarding Pryde’s photo with Sayed-Khaiyum, describing it as ill-advised given the political controversy surrounding the former Attorney-General. He emphasized the importance of maintaining neutrality and ethical conduct for judicial members both professionally and in personal life.
In response to Pryde’s claims of financial distress following the suspension of his salary, Justice Temo noted that the Constitution allows for legal aid or self-representation, rendering Pryde’s complaints unfounded.
The tribunal is set to resume its proceedings today.
This situation underscores the crucial nature of accountability and ethical standards within public offices. As the tribunal continues, it serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency in governmental financial practices, providing an opportunity for systemic improvements in oversight to prevent similar issues in the future. Such actions can enhance public trust in the judicial process for years to come.
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