The Director of Public Prosecutions, Christopher Pryde, who is currently suspended, had his superannuation payments managed independently by his office, without any involvement from the Ministry of Finance. This information was shared by Shiri Krishna Gounder, the permanent secretary for Finance, during the tribunal hearings in Suva regarding Mr. Pryde’s case.
Gounder explained that under the structure of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), the Director is authorized to manage funds allocated by Parliament autonomously. He noted that while independent institutions generally follow the Government Financial Instructions and Procurement Regulations, the ODPP lacks its own financial management guidelines, necessitating adherence to the broader government processes.
Additionally, Gounder clarified that although the Ministry of Finance was responsible for processing Mr. Pryde’s salary, it did not handle his superannuation payments. Instead, the ODPP managed these payments through direct manual telegraphic transfers since they qualified as offshore benefits.
This clarification sheds light on the operational procedures within government institutions and highlights the importance of adhering to established financial protocols, particularly in sensitive cases involving public officials.
Overall, the focus on transparent financial practices is a positive indication that the mechanisms for accountability and governance are being upheld, even amidst challenging circumstances. The situation serves as a reminder of the significance of clarity in financial operations and the pursuit of integrity within public institutions.
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