The tribunal hearing regarding suspended Director of Public Prosecutions Christopher Pryde has revealed important information about his superannuation payments. According to Shiri Krishna Gounder, the permanent secretary for Finance, these payments were processed independently by Pryde’s office, without any input from the Ministry of Finance.
During the proceedings, Mr. Gounder explained that the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) is authorized to manage funds allocated by Parliament. Since the ODPP does not have its own financial guidelines, it adheres to the Government Financial Instructions 2010 and the Procurement Regulations 2010.
He emphasized that payments for all civil servants are made according to their contracts, complying with the mandated Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF) contribution rates. While the Ministry of Finance facilitates salary payments, it does not play a role in the direct handling of superannuation for Mr. Pryde. Instead, the ODPP managed these payments directly via manual telegraphic transfers due to their offshore nature.
This clarification comes amidst the ongoing tribunal that has garnered public interest, shedding light on the responsibilities and administrative processes involving the ODPP and the Ministry of Finance.
In a broader context, the transparency around government procedures showcases accountability, which is crucial in maintaining the public’s trust in institutions.
Summary: The tribunal hearing for suspended DPP Christopher Pryde highlights that his superannuation payments were independently managed by the ODPP, while salaries were processed by the Ministry of Finance. This clarification emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability in government financial procedures, fostering public trust.
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