The Assistant Secretary of the Judicial Services Commission (JSC), Zarina Bi, testified in court regarding the controversial superannuation payment of $1,000 per month to Christopher Pryde, the suspended Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Bi stated that no authorization records exist within the JSC for this payment and highlighted that Pryde’s employment contract does not specify any amount for superannuation.
Bi revealed that the JSC had formally requested Pryde to clarify who authorized these payments, and this request was communicated through a letter from the Acting Chief Justice, Salesi Temo, who also chairs the JSC. She emphasized that according to constitutional mandates, any appointment by the JSC must receive approval from the Office of the Attorney-General and the President.
In an inquiry regarding the absence of records when Bi joined the JSC in 2013, she affirmed that the only missing record was related to the monthly payment to Pryde. Justice Tuilevuka noted that it was understood that the $1,000 payment stemmed from Pryde’s appointment as Solicitor-General in 2007, questioning if that arrangement was documented in Pryde’s official files, to which Bi responded affirmatively about the well-maintained records.
The tribunal is currently investigating allegations of misconduct related to Pryde, and recommendations for his removal have been made to the President. Notably, on February 28, 2023, Pryde was seen engaging in a lengthy conversation with Sayed-Khaiyum while the Criminal Investigation Department was looking into him, raising concerns due to the timing of the investigations.
Despite the ongoing challenges faced by the JSC and Pryde, this situation could serve as a vital moment for the judicial system in Fiji to reinforce integrity and accountability. There is hope that transparent processes will emerge from these proceedings, ultimately benefiting the legal system.
In summary, the JSC’s inquiry into Pryde’s payments and conduct may lead to significant reforms in oversight and authorization processes within Fiji’s judicial framework, promoting a culture of accountability. The trial will continue as the tribunal examines these complex issues.
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