The managing director of Carpenters Fiji Limited, Daniel Kinston Whippy, has entered a plea of not guilty to charges brought against him by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). During a bail variation hearing before Magistrate Sufia Hamza at the Suva Magistrate’s Court, Whippy faced allegations of advising the alteration of findings in a Fire Investigation Report linked to a fire incident at the Morris Hedstrom warehouse in Walu Bay on April 8, 2018, allegedly for personal gain.
In court, a consensus was reached regarding the absence of stem cell procedures in Fiji, which played a role in the conditions set for Whippy’s bail. According to FICAC lawyer Sera Fatafehi, for Whippy to travel, he must comply with four key conditions:
1. The original $50,000 cash bail bond will remain with the court registry.
2. His two sureties will be required to provide a non-cash bail bond of $20,000 each.
3. Whippy’s passport will be returned to him by the end of the day.
4. A stop departure order will remain in effect until the results of a visa application are assessed.
FICAC expressed concern over the potential for Whippy to not fulfill his bail obligations, emphasizing the need for a substantial bail bond to secure his commitment to the legal proceedings. In response, defense lawyer Stephen Stanton indicated that Whippy’s wife would accompany him, while his son has also been suggested as an alternative escort should FICAC oppose this arrangement.
Fatafehi confirmed that Whippy made no admissions during his caution interview and both parties agreed to proceed in the Magistrate’s Court. Whippy’s second lawyer, Suruj Sharma, mentioned that an online visa application had been filed but underscores that an in-person interview at the U.S. Embassy requires his passport, with processing expected to take about three weeks. The case is set to be revisited on November 11, when the stop departure order will be further discussed.
This situation highlights the emphasis on legal accountability and the judicial process in Fiji. As the case progresses, it could serve as a pivotal moment for reinforcing the principles of integrity and transparency within corporate governance. The upcoming court session may pave the way for resolution and assurance that due process is followed diligently.
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