Pryde’s Superannuation Controversy: Contract Clarity or Misconduct?

The Tribunal that reviewed the case of suspended Director of Public Prosecutions, Christopher Pryde, found that a monthly superannuation payment of USD $1,000 into an offshore bank account was legitimate and outlined in his employment contract, which was signed by the President of Fiji.

The investigation addressed allegations regarding the lack of written approval from the Judicial Services Commission for the superannuation payments. The Tribunal clarified that Mr. Pryde’s contract provided him the option to choose between various superannuation funds, including New Zealand’s home superannuation, the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF), or another fund of his choosing. Mr. Pryde opted to direct his superannuation to an offshore account.

The ruling emphasized that while the contract allowed for such payments, it did not specify the exact amount or a calculation formula. Furthermore, it was noted that when Mr. Pryde served as Solicitor General, his superannuation contributions were also deposited into an offshore fund per the requirements set by the FNPF Act, converted to US dollars, and transferred accordingly.

The Tribunal acknowledged a submission from the Fiji Law Society, which asserted that Mr. Pryde’s entitlement to superannuation was indeed included in his employment contract, reinforcing that the agreement had the President’s approval. Based on this, the Tribunal determined that Mr. Pryde had not acted with “misbehaviour” concerning the allegations made against him.

This finding allows Mr. Pryde to move forward without the cloud of these allegations, reflecting a commitment to due process and the importance of adhering to contractual agreements in public service roles. It highlights the necessity of clear documentation and transparency in government operations, ultimately fostering trust in judicial processes.

Summary: The Tribunal concluded that USD $1,000 monthly superannuation payments into an offshore account by Christopher Pryde were legitimate under his signed contract with the President of Fiji. Allegations of improper approval were dismissed, affirming Mr. Pryde’s rights per the contract and emphasizing the importance of contractual clarity in public service.