Acting Chief Justice Salesi Temo has criticized suspended Director of Public Prosecutions Christopher Pryde for attempting to influence the tribunal by claiming he would not attend hearings unless his salary was reinstated. Justice Temo described this behavior as “unfair” and reminded the court of Pryde’s qualifications, stating that he is a capable attorney who has the option to represent himself or seek Legal Aid if necessary.
During his testimony, Justice Temo highlighted that since 2012, Pryde had improperly awarded himself over $288,000 in superannuation payments, which he was not entitled to. Temo described this act as theft, asserting that it was detrimental to taxpayers. He emphasized that Pryde had no authority to pay himself $1,000 per month without the required approvals from the Judicial Services Commission, the Office of the Attorney-General, or the President.
When questioned about the management of the DPP’s finances, Justice Temo confirmed that Pryde was in charge of the budget and had final approval over any financial decisions. He stated that while he would have supported the superannuation payment had it been properly approved, there were no records indicating such authorization.
The tribunal is conducting a thorough investigation into allegations of misconduct, and it is anticipated that it will advise President on the dismissal of Pryde from his position. The situation is further complicated by reports of Pryde meeting with political figure Sayed-Khaiyum while investigations were ongoing against him.
The tribunal proceedings have been adjourned until 10 AM tomorrow. The case underscores the importance of accountability and transparency within public offices, demonstrating a commitment to uphold ethical standards in governance.
This situation represents a broader effort to ensure that public officials are held to the highest standards of integrity, fostering hope for a more transparent and accountable system moving forward.
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