Justice Temo Calls DPP’s Superannuation Payment “Theft” in Explosive Tribunal Hearing

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’s US$1,000 monthly superannuation payment as “theft.” This statement came during Pryde’s tribunal hearing at the Veiuto Court Complex, where Justice Temo was the final witness.

The tribunal is investigating two main allegations against Pryde: the unauthorized superannuation payments of US$1,000 per month, accumulating to more than FJ$288,000 since 2012, and a photograph of Pryde with former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum taken at a diplomatic event in February 2023. Justice Temo challenged the portrayals in the media that suggested these payments were simply an issue of over-compensation, firmly stating they were unequivocally acts of theft, given that the JSC investigations found no trace of authorization for these payments. He noted that such disbursements necessitate consent from both the Attorney-General’s office and the President, which did not happen in this case.

The payments came to a halt in July 2023 when investigations were initiated. Justice Temo asserted that Pryde’s contractual reasoning was inadequate to validate these transactions. Regarding the photograph with Sayed-Khaiyum, he critiqued Pryde’s decision to be seen with someone involved in political controversy, highlighting the importance of maintaining ethical neutrality for judicial figures.

In response to Pryde’s claims of financial strain due to the suspension of his salary, Justice Temo considered these arguments unfounded, noting constitutional provisions for legal aid and self-representation. The tribunal proceedings will continue today.

This case underscores the essential principles of accountability and ethical conduct within judicial roles, reinforcing the idea that a higher standard of behavior is expected from those in positions of authority. As the tribunal proceeds, it offers an opportunity for the legal system to demonstrate its commitment to upholding these values.