The Permanent Secretary for Civil Service, Parmesh Chand, expressed concerns regarding a meeting between the suspended Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Christopher Pryde, and former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, particularly given that Sayed-Khaiyum was under investigation at the time. During Pryde’s tribunal hearing in Suva, Chand noted that the two engaged in a lengthy conversation for over 30 minutes at the Emperor’s birthday celebrations hosted at the Japanese Embassy on February 28, 2023.
Chand emphasized that as a senior public servant, he would avoid such interactions, as they could be perceived as inappropriate, especially given the ongoing investigation. He suggested that the nature of their discussion raised potential concerns regarding professional integrity, particularly since Pryde, having served in a subordinate role to Sayed-Khaiyum as Solicitor-General, should have recognized the implications of their lengthy talk.
While Chand did not overhear the conversation, he observed that it appeared intense and uninterrupted. The tribunal is currently investigating the allegations of misbehavior surrounding Pryde, with recommendations under consideration for his removal as DPP.
Additional points revealed during the hearing included that on the date of their meeting, the Criminal Investigation Department was actively probing Sayed-Khaiyum, with pertinent files already at the DPP’s office. It also came to light that as of December 4, 2023, Pryde was receiving a monthly superannuation payment of US$1000 without the necessary approvals from various governmental offices.
The tribunal proceedings have been adjourned and will continue at a later date.
This situation underscores the critical importance of transparency and ethical conduct in public office, particularly amid ongoing investigations. As discussions continue within the tribunal, it may pave the way for clearer guidelines and practices to prevent conflicts of interest and maintain the integrity of government operations.
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