Suva High Court Judge Daniel Goundar will deliver his decision on Monday on former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama's application to vary his bail conditions to allow him to travel to New Zealand for his wife’s medical treatment.
This follows an application made by Bainimarama's lawyer, Devanesh Sharma, on 21st October, seeking permission for his client to travel overseas.
Sharma told the court that Bainimarama's wife, who has been hospitalised for almost a month and is bedridden, needs to travel to New Zealand for treatment for a spinal infection.
He said local doctors had advised that the treatment cannot be provided locally.
Sharma also told the court that Bainimarama is his wife's primary caregiver and that she has been a pillar of support for him.
He submitted that his presence would provide her with a much-needed emotional and morale boost during her treatment.
He further said that Bainimarama had never breached his bail conditions and had attended all his court cases.
Sharma said the risk of Bainimarama failing to return is minimal, adding that he did not hold a New Zealand passport or visa and is expected to return by 4th December or earlier for his court cases.
However, Assistant DPP Laisani Tabuakuro objected to the application, saying the prosecution needed to verify the medical circumstances with local doctors first.
Tabuakuro also raised concerns about the lack of proposed arrangement should Bainimarama’s wife require further treatment or an extended recovery period, which could delay the trial scheduled for December.
Judge Goundar is expected to deliver his decision on Monday in the Sigatoka Court due to a workshop in the Coral Coast.
Justice Goundar will deliver his ruling on the no case to answer involving Bainimarama, former Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and former Minister for Health Dr Neil Sharma on 4th December.
This is in relation to the Health Tender case.
It is alleged that Hospital Engineering and Consultancy Ltd, also known as Hospineer, was favoured in the procurement of three biomedical analysers through a waiver of the tender process instead of the recommended bidder.
Bainimarama is charged with one count of abuse of office.
Sayed-Khaiyum is charged with one count of abuse of office and one count of obstructing the course of justice.
Dr Sharma is charged with two counts of abuse of office and two counts of breach of trust by a person employed in the public service.
