The defense attorneys for Daniel Whippy, Managing Director of Carpenters Fiji, and former National Fire Authority CEO John O’Connor have requested additional time to consider their plea agreements following the receipt of new disclosures pertinent to their case.
The allegations stem from a fire incident at Carpenters Fiji’s property in Walu Bay, which prompted an investigation by the National Fire Authority (NFA) and has since led to charges of misconduct and corruption. Both Whippy and O’Connor appeared in the Suva Magistrate Court last Friday concerning this case related to a fire at the MH warehouse in Walu Bay that occurred in 2018. The charges have been filed by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC).
O’Connor faces a charge of abuse of office, accused of directing NFA officers to alter findings in an investigation report about the April 30, 2018, fire while serving as Chair of the NFA Board between January and September 2018. FICAC alleges that his actions were prejudicial to the NFA’s rights and intended for personal gain.
Whippy has been charged with counseling the omission of an offense, specifically for allegedly advising O’Connor to commit the unlawful act.
In court, FICAC Counsel Sera Fatafehi disclosed that they had received a bail variation application for Whippy, who is seeking permission to travel overseas for medical treatment, potentially for knee surgery in India or stem cell treatment in the United States. FICAC opposed this application, citing the need to verify Whippy’s medical documents and obtain a second opinion from another orthopedic specialist. Kings Counsel Stephen Stanton mentioned Whippy’s preference for the stem cell treatment in the U.S.
The court has adjourned the matter to October 28 for further discussions, with a future mention scheduled for January 13, 2025, to address O’Connor’s plea.