Christopher Pryde, who has been reinstated as Fiji’s Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), has officially notified the President’s Office of his intention to resume his duties starting January 20, following a tribunal ruling that cleared him of allegations of misconduct.

The three-member tribunal, which concluded its investigation last month, found unanimously that there was insufficient evidence to support the claims made against Pryde. As a result, it recommended to His Excellency, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, that Pryde should not be removed from his position. The President accepted this recommendation, praising the tribunal’s thorough examination and emphasizing its role in establishing significant jurisprudence regarding the previously undefined term “misbehaviour” within Fiji’s Constitution.

The tribunal was chaired by Justice Anare Tuilevuka, with Justices Chaitanya Lakshman and Samuela Qica serving as members. Their report was submitted to the President on December 23, 2024, which has now been made public as part of the transparency process.

As part of his reinstatement, Pryde’s employment agreement with the Fijian government from September 4, 2019, will take effect immediately, and he will receive repayment for any unpaid salary and benefits accrued during his suspension, which began on April 13, 2023. In an orderly transition back to his role, Pryde will report to the Chairperson of the Judicial Services Commission to collect all necessary official items before taking up his responsibilities anew.

This resolution not only marks the reinstatement of Pryde but also signals a renewed commitment to due process and accountability within the Fijian legal system. As Pryde returns to his duties as DPP, there is a hopeful outlook for enhanced public confidence in judicial operations, fostering trust in government institutions.

In summary, Christopher Pryde’s return to the DPP represents a significant affirmation of due process in the Fijian judicial system. This positive conclusion underscores the importance of maintaining integrity within public service and sets a precedent for future handling of misconduct allegations.