Christopher Pryde, the suspended Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), has voiced his frustration regarding the delay in the tribunal hearing set to address allegations against him.
In a statement released last month, Jalesi Temo, the Acting Chief Justice and Chairman of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), announced that Mr. Pryde had been notified of the planned hearing dates. Originally, the hearing was scheduled to take place from next Monday through August 30.
However, Mr. Pryde communicated yesterday that he has been informed that these dates have been postponed. “I have been advised that the proposed tribunal hearing dates of 19 to 31 August 2024 have been vacated,” he stated.
Mr. Pryde expressed disappointment, mentioning that the three-judge tribunal responsible for hearing the allegations against him has not provided him with the necessary disclosures to understand the charges related to his superannuation properly.
He was suspended as DPP last April, a move he believes was made due to his interaction with the former Attorney General at an official event. A year later, the JSC brought forth additional allegations regarding an overpayment of his superannuation, which he has denied.
“I am dismayed that I have still not received the required disclosures and the tribunal is yet to set a hearing date, while my salary remains suspended five weeks after the Prime Minister stated it should continue to be paid,” Mr. Pryde said. He added that the situation is nearing its 17th month without resolution, and the JSC has refused to engage in discussions regarding the suspension of his salary.
This publication has reached out to the JSC for further comment and is awaiting a response.