The High Court in Suva has voiced concerns about the late submission of disclosures in the trial concerning former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, former Health Minister Neil Sharma, and former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum. This case, scheduled to commence on November 10, involves grave allegations such as abuse of office, obstructing justice, and breach of trust linked to purported transactions dating back to 2011.
During a recent pretrial conference, Senior State Lawyer Pooja Mishra informed the court that the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) had attempted to file additional disclosures mere days before the trial. Consequently, she requested to postpone the trial to a later date in November.
Defense attorneys Wylie Clarke, representing Dr. Sharma, and Gul Fatima, representing Bainimarama and Sayed-Khaiyum, strongly opposed this proposed timeline, highlighting the extensive material that needed careful review with their clients. Clarke suggested rescheduling the trial to early March 2026, while Fatima recommended a different date due to her existing commitments in other court matters.
Justice Usaia Ratuvili expressed frustration over the prosecution’s delays, asserting that it was unacceptable for key documents to be filed so close to the trial proceedings. He has directed Mishra to submit an affidavit explaining the reasons behind the tardiness.
This trial follows numerous hearings related to allegations that the defendants breached the 2010 Procurement Regulations by not adhering to statutory requirements in their decision-making processes while in office. The specific charges revolve around favoritism in the tendering process involving a company known as Hospital Engineering and Consultancy Ltd, also referred to as Hospineer.
The proceedings of this case have drawn significant interest from both legal experts and the public, illustrating broader concerns regarding governance, integrity, and transparency within Fiji’s political realm. The legal proceedings underscore the necessity for accountability amongst public officials and hold the potential to strengthen citizens’ trust in government operations.
As the trial is set to resume on November 10, many are optimistic that the outcome will bolster ethical standards and encourage responsible governance in the region. The legal system’s approach to these serious allegations could be pivotal in fostering a culture of transparency and restoring public confidence in institutions.