Director Admits Giving Favors to Ministry

The Director of Repina Wholesalers has today admitted while giving evidence under oath in the High Court that he gave favors to Officials of the Agriculture Ministry after his company was approved as the official supplier of items under the Farming Assistance Scheme.

While being cross examined by DPP Lawyer Andy Driu during the Agriculture Ministry scam trial, Alifereti acknowledged that he gave favors to the Ministry Officials when they told him that they would be able to get the required items at cheaper prices from other sources.

When questioned on whether he was aware that it is not permitted to give favours to public servants, Alifereti replied that that is how they operate in the business world.

He also stressed that he did not conceal this and gave details of the favors in his tax returns filed in 2000 and 2001.

Earlier today, Alifereti revealed upon questioning from his defence counsel that after the Farming Assistance Scheme was approved by the cabinet in 2000, all Senior Officials and Accounts Executives of the Agriculture Ministry met to decide on who will supply the items under the scheme. According to Alifereti, it was decided at the meeting that his company, Repina Wholesalers was selected as the approved supplier to the scheme and was also approved by the administrators of the Affirmative Action Programme under which the scheme was being implemented. The case continues tomorrow.