The Judicial Services Commission (JSC) Assistant Secretary Zarina Bi informed the Court that there are no records of authorization regarding a monthly superannuation payment of US$1,000 to suspended Director of Public Prosecutions Christopher Pryde. During the court proceedings, Bi noted that Pryde’s employment contract did not specify any superannuation amount.
Bi stated that the JSC had reached out to Pryde, requesting clarification on who authorized the payments. This inquiry was made through a letter from Acting Chief Justice Salesi Temo, who chairs the JSC. She revealed that Pryde’s base salary is $250,000, and there were questions surrounding who approved these payments, which are supposed to be sanctioned by the JSC following a recommendation from the Office of the Attorney-General and approval from the President under constitutional guidelines for JSC appointments.
The Fiji Law Society’s Laurel Vaurasi sought clarity on any records from when Bi was appointed Assistant Secretary to the JSC in 2013, to which Bi confirmed that the only missing record was the authorization for Pryde’s monthly US$1,000 payment.
Justice Tuilevuka emphasized that the understanding is that the US$1,000 payment may date back to when Pryde was appointed Solicitor-General in 2007. Bi indicated that this information would have been in Pryde’s file and assured that the records of the JSC are thoroughly maintained alongside those of the Office of the Chief Justice.
The tribunal is currently assessing allegations of misconduct against Pryde, who faces recommendations for removal from his DPP position. Recent developments indicate that on February 28, 2023, Pryde was seen in extended conversation with Sayed-Khaiyum while the Criminal Investigation Department investigated him. It was later noted that Pryde continued receiving the US$1,000 monthly payment as superannuation on December 4, 2023, without appropriate approvals from the relevant authorities.
The trial proceedings are ongoing, and the inquiry highlights the importance of proper authorization and accountability in public service finance. This situation underscores a critical need for transparency, which may lead to stronger regulations and governance within judicial and governmental financial practices.
Summary:
The JSC Assistant Secretary has revealed that no authorization exists for a US$1,000 monthly superannuation payment to suspended DPP Christopher Pryde. Ongoing inquiries into Pryde’s conduct and financial arrangements emphasize the importance of transparency and accountability in public roles. The trial continues, highlighting potential reforms for judicial financial governance.
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