President suspends DPP Pryde’s $250K salary over no show

The President, Ratu Naiqama Lalabala­vu, has suspended the salary and benefits of Director of Public Pros­ecutions (DPP) Christo­pher Pryde.

This follows mounting public criticism over his continued absence from office despite being reinstated and receiving more than $250,000 in tax­payer-funded salary.

The President's decision was communicated in a letter dated 25 July 2025, addressed to Mr Pryde, the Office of the DPP, and the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) the constitutional body re­sponsible for appointing the DPP.

"Pursuant to Section 117(5) of the Constitution, and acting on the recommendation of the JSC, after consultation with the Acting At­torney-General, Mr Pryde's salary and other benefits are suspended forthwith until further notice," the letter stated.

Repeated requests for comment sent to Mr Pryde remain unan­swered.

Failure to resume duties

The suspension follows months of unexplained absence by Mr Pryde, who was expected to return to work on January 20, 2025, after the Presi­dent revoked his prior suspension.

In a letter dated January 7, 2025, the President directed the JSC to reinstate Mr Pryde's 2019 service agreement, repay his outstanding salary and benefits, and facilitate his return to office.

While the JSC extended his re­porting deadline to May 9, 2025, Mr Pryde failed to return to work with­out providing reasonable cause and continued to draw a full salary.

This breached Clause 1 of his 2019 service agreement and the Presi­dent's directives, resulting in the latest decision to halt all remuner­ation and entitlements. He has served as DPP since 2011.

JSC and FICAC response

This newspaper understands the JSC issued a fresh letter to Mr Pryde yesterday. Meanwhile, Acting FICAC Com­missioner Lavi Rokoika declined to comment on ongoing investiga­tions relating to Mr Pryde.

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