Pryde Tribunal Cost Over $88k

The tribunal that presided over ‘misbehaviour’ allegations of now reinstated Director of Public Prosecutions, Christopher Pryde cost Fijian taxpayers $88, 597. 45.

This was revealed in the three-member tribunal’s report released by the Office of the President last night.

The tribunal was chaired by Justice Anare Tuilevuka with members including Justice Chaitanya Lakshman and Justice Samuela Qica.

The members were Sworn-in before former President, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere on March 5, 2024.

The break down of tribunal cost. Source: Tribunal report

The report said the members’ initial appointment was for three (3) months.

This was extended twice, the first extension was sought on May 10, 2024 to which the President Katonivere gave a three-month extension.

The second extension was sought after the President Katonivere referred a second allegation to the Tribunal for investigation following a section 112(3) advice from the JSC.

The second allegation was that Mr Pryde, between March 2012 and July 2023, was receiving US$1000 (FJ$2313) per month in superannuation without the approval of the Judicial Services Commission, the Attorney-General and the President’s Office.

On September 19, 2024, President Katonivere extended the Tribunal’s mandate to December 23, 2024.

In the report, the tribunal noted that in order for the Tribunal to function effectively and efficiently, it had to appoint counsel, investigators and a secretariat staff to assist it.

There were twenty-nine (29) briefings held from March 5 to November 25, 2024, before the tribunal hearing started.

The hearing was then conducted over five days from December 2 – 6, last year.

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