$500k+ settlement rejected in high-profile case against Government

The Government has offered a settlement of more than $500,000 to Suva lawyer, Tanya Waqanika, and her client, Barbara Malimali.  

This masthead understands the offer was made two weeks ago, which was rejected. 

Ms Waqanika was earlier reported to have negotiated a $2 million settlement, which also included a formal apology from the Government.  

“No, they are not always available. It's on the sidelines,” Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said yesterday.   

“And it depends on whether they will accept it or not. There was a demand from them which the government could not accept. And they offered a counter and that is where we are now.”  

Ms Waqanika was reported saying that because of the Commission of Inquiry report that concluded her client's termination as head of FICAC, her client found it difficult to find employment.