Pryde reinstated as DPP

Suspended Director of Public Prosecutions, Christopher Pryde has been reinstated to his position after a tribunal investigating the allegations against him unanimously concluded that the two allegations were not substantiated and advised that the President should not remove him from office.

President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu has written to Pryde today along with a copy of the report of the Tribunal.

They say Pryde’s unpaid salary and benefits shall be repaid immediately and Pryde is to report to the Chairperson of the Judicial Services Commission, whose officers will hand him all official properties, laptop, mobile phones, keys and accompany him to the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

A three-member Tribunal was appointed under section 112 of the Constitution of the Republic of Fiji to inquire into allegations of misbehaviour against Pryde.

Justice Anare Tuilevuka chaired the Tribunal while the other two members are Justice Chaitanya Lakshman and Justice Samuela Qica.

The members of the Tribunal submitted their report to the President on the 23rd of last month.

A government statement says the President has completed his perusal of the report after which he conducted necessary consultations and received advice on the report and its recommendations.

The President commended the Tribunal chairman and members for their report and excellent service to the nation.

They say their final report contributes important jurisprudence for the first time, on the definition of “misbehaviour” which is not defined in the Constitution.

According to the statement, this valuable jurisprudence therefore sets a precedent and will assist the Judicial Services Commission in considering complaints against judicial officers as well as the DPP and other quasi-judicial officers appointed by the Commission.

It says the Tribunal also made recommendations on the importance of guiding policies in the absence of regulations regarding the evaluation of complaints against judicial and quasi-judicial officers. The report states that policies would provide a framework for executive action and ensure that decisions are consistent, transparent and accountable. Further, that the Commission may consider developing a clear policy pursuant to section 138(2)-(9) of the Constitution of the Republic of Fiji.