The trial involving former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, former Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, and ex-Health Minister Neil Sharma has been postponed to Wednesday. This decision comes after an objection raised by Sharma’s attorney, Wylie Clarke, regarding the admissibility of minutes from the Ministry of Health’s Tender Evaluation Committee, which are anticipated to play a pivotal role in the case.
Justice Usaia Ratuvili has permitted a challenge to these minutes, after Clarke argued that the document should be excluded on the grounds of being hearsay. He emphasized that resolving this issue beforehand could potentially streamline the trial process, making it more efficient.
Counsel representing Bainimarama and Sayed-Khaiyum, Devanesh Sharma, noted that his clients are prepared to continue with the trial but showed interest in Clarke’s application concerning the minutes. Meanwhile, State Counsel Laisani Tabuakoro opposed the objection, calling it a deliberate delay tactic by the defence. Tabuakoro highlighted that these documents have been under the defence’s control since 2024, suggesting that the objection should have been raised sooner.
The court has instructed the State to provide a response to the objection by the end of the business day tomorrow, with a ruling expected on the matter when proceedings resume on Wednesday. This development adds another layer to the ongoing legal saga surrounding these prominent political figures, as they navigate the complexities of the trial.