The High Court has chosen not to grant a stay in the legal proceedings involving former Fisheries Minister Kalaveti Ravu and former Fisheries Regional Manager North Tekata Toaisi, who are currently facing criminal charges. Earlier this month, the court reversed their earlier acquittal at the “no case to answer” stage and ordered the case to return to the Magistrates’ Court for the continuation of their defense.
Ravu and Toaisi attempted to postpone this decision as they planned to appeal to the Court of Appeal. However, Justice Daniel Goundar clarified that the High Court does not have the authority to pause its own verdict once rendered. Consequently, any request for a stay must be made to the Court of Appeal, ensuring that the trial will proceed in the Magistrates’ Court unless an intervention is granted by the higher court.
The charges against Ravu relate to alleged abuse of office. It is claimed that he interfered with a Ministry of Forestry investigation into the illegal trading of banned beche-de-mer species between July 25 and August 31, 2023. Toaisi faces allegations of assisting Ravu in this misconduct, effectively aiding the abuse of office.
This ongoing legal case underscores the judiciary’s commitment to addressing misconduct by individuals in public service positions and emphasizes the critical need for transparency and accountability in government operations. It serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of ethical conduct in preserving public confidence and the integrity of democratic systems.