The Assistant Secretary of the Judicial Services Commission (JSC), Zarina Bi, testified in court regarding the monthly superannuation payment of $1,000 to the suspended Director of Public Prosecutions, Christopher Pryde. Bi revealed that there are no authorization records for this payment in the JSC’s files and noted that Pryde’s employment contract does not specify the amount for his superannuation.
Bi indicated that the JSC had reached out to Pryde, requesting clarification on who granted approval for the payment. The inquiry was communicated through a letter from Acting Chief Justice Salesi Temo, who chairs the JSC. Bi also confirmed that Pryde’s base salary amounts to $250,000.
The JSC is attempting to ascertain who authorized this payment, which should originate from the JSC based on recommendations from the Office of the Attorney-General and ultimately approved by the President, as mandated by the Constitution concerning JSC appointments.
During the hearing, Laurel Vaurasi of the Fiji Law Society asked Bi if there were any records of approval from the time she began her tenure as Assistant Secretary in 2013. Bi clarified that the only record missing is the authorization for the $1,000 monthly payment to Pryde.
Justice Tuilevuka pointed out that the $1,000 payment has apparently been in existence since Pryde was appointed Solicitor-General back in 2007 and questioned if there was a prior understanding concerning this payment. Bi mentioned that any such information would typically be found in Pryde’s file.
She assured the court that JSC records are meticulously maintained alongside those of the Office of the Chief Justice. Pryde has been asked to provide the Commission with documentation to clarify the matter.
In a broader context, the tribunal is currently reviewing allegations of misconduct against Pryde and is considering advising President to remove him from his position. Amidst ongoing investigations, it was noted that on February 28, 2023, Pryde was seen conversing with Sayed-Khaiyum, who was under investigation by the Criminal Investigation Department at that time. Furthermore, as of December 4, 2023, Pryde was still receiving the monthly payment without proper authorization from the necessary governmental offices.
This case brings to light important issues regarding transparency and accountability within governmental financial practices. It serves as a reminder of the need for proper governance and adherence to established protocols, helping to maintain public trust in legal institutions.
As the trial progresses, there is hope that clarity will be achieved, leading to improved transparency and better practices within the JSC and related governmental bodies.
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