Court questions handling of evidence in Health Tender trial

During cross-examination in the ongoing health tender trial yesterday, former FICAC investigator Alifereti Wakanivesi faced scrutiny over his handling of prosecution evidence.

Lawyer Wylie Clarke challenged Mr Wakanivesi’s testimony, describing his explanation of the origins of key emails as “not very convincing” and suggesting that his handling of evidence was “incorrect.”

Mr Wakanivesi clarified to the High Court in Suva that he was not responsible for collecting documents from the Government ITC, the Ministry of Health, or the Fiji Procurement Office.

Instead, his role was limited to analysing documents already submitted as evidence by the prosecution.

Mr Clarke also pointed out that Mr Wakanivesi’s name did not appear on the file listing personnel who collected the emails, raising questions about the reliability of the chain of evidence.

State lawyer Laisani Tabuakuro asked about the relationship between Dr Sharma and Hospineer Hospital. Mr Wakanivesi said it was strictly a business connection.

During cross-examination by lawyers representing former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and former Attorney-General Sayed-Khaiyum, Mr Wakanivesi said the file had been handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) following a police complaint. He confirmed that no further investigation occurred after a directive was issued to pause the matter.

On re-examination, Mr Wakanivesi revealed that the directive to pause the investigation came from former Deputy FICAC Commissioner George Langman and was influenced by Sayed-Khaiyum.

He explained that investigators did not question the directive, as they could not disobey a superior’s instruction.

The trial, which resumes this morning, involves Bainimarama, Sayed-Khaiyum, and Dr Sharma. Dr Sharma faces two counts of abuse of office and two counts of breach of trust by a public servant.

Bainimarama is charged with one count of abuse of office, while Sayed-Khaiyum faces one count of abuse of office and one count of obstructing the course of justice.

All three defendants have pleaded not guilty.