In sensational news, the President, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, has written to the DPP, Christopher Pryde, telling hm that the allegations of misbehaviour that have seen him suspended for the past 21 months have not been proven and that he is expected back in Suva to resume duty at Gunu House as the nation’s Chief Prosecutor.
To follow is the President’s letter to Christopher Pryde copied to multiple sources, including the Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka and the Chief Justice, Salesi Temo, who had notoriously branded the DPP as a thief.
It is total vindication of Christopher Pryde’s claim that he did nothing wrong and an abject humiliation for the State.
Grubsheet understands that the DPP is preparing to return to Suva as soon as possible. He left his office in April 2023 carrying his famous sign, “Keep Calm and Carry on”. And now he will be returning doubtless carrying the same sign to reattach it to his wall in the ODPP.
The dramatic culmination of an extraordinary chapter in Fiji’s national life.
More details and analysis to come….
But an astonishing demonstration of persistence and one man’s determination to adhere to the motto Pryde embraced not just for himself but for the ODPP as its head.
Despite the campaign to destroy him, the DPP maintained a respectful attitude towards those he will now have to work with again. It is a win for him personally and a win for the rule of law in Fiji.
The most astonishing aspect of this whole saga is that having had his salary severed and not being able to afford to adequately defend himself before the Tribunal, Christopher Pryde won his case anyway.
The State spent many months trawling the offices of state and the civil service for instances of alleged misbehaviour to nail the DPP and found none. So his reputation and integrity have now been restored in the most dramatic of circumstances imaginable.
UPDATE TUES EVENING
After a two week delay, the President has also upheld his constitutional duty to release the Pryde Tribunal’s report on the allegations against the DPP.
You can read it here: https://bit.ly/3DWEDfu
It is accompanied by the following statement on the government’s Facebook page:
REPORT OF THE TRIBUNAL APPOINTED TO REVIEW ALLEGATIONS OF MISBEHAVIOUR AGAINST MR. CHRISTOPHER PRYDE
7 January 2025 – A three-member Tribunal was appointed under section 112 of the Constitution of the Republic of Fiji to inquire into allegations of misbehaviour against the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Mr. Christopher Pryde.
Mr. Justice Anare Tuilevuka chaired the Tribunal while the other two members are Mr. Justice Chaitanya Lakshman and Mr. Justice Samuela Qica.
The members of the Tribunal submitted their Report to the President, His Excellency Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu on Monday 23rd December 2024. His Excellency has completed his perusal of the Report after which he conducted necessary consultations and received advise on the Report and its recommendations.
In its Report, the Tribunal concluded unanimously that the two allegations made against Mr. Pryde, have not been made out and have advised His Excellency that Mr. Pryde ought not to be removed.
His Excellency commends the Tribunal Chairman and Members for their Report and excellent service to the nation. Their Final Report contributes important jurisprudence for the first time, on the definition of “misbehaviour” which is not defined in the Constitution.
This valuable jurisprudence therefore sets a precedent and will assist the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) in considering complaints against judicial officers as well as the DPP and other quasi-judicial officers appointed by the JSC.
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 JSC may consider developing a clear policy pursuant to section 138(2)-(9) of the Constitution of the Republic of Fiji.
Today, His Excellency the President has written to Mr. Christopher Pryde along with a copy of the Report of the Tribunal. To implement an orderly resumption of duties, Mr. Pryde’s 13 April 2023 suspension from office shall be revoked in the following manner:
i. The 4th September 2019 Agreement of Service between Mr. Christopher Pryde and the Government of the Republic of Fiji is to take effect immediately;
ii. Mr. Pryde’s unpaid salary and benefits shall be repaid immediately;
iii. Mr. 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.
In accordance with section 112(6) of the Constitution, the Report of the Tribunal is now published online. It may be accessed on https://bit.ly/3DWEDfu
#peoplescoalition #FijiNews #GovernmentNews
Vindicated at last.
Could he begin prosecuting those criminals in the Juciary now!
Interesting times ahead
Woooo!!!
Well done to everyone who set out to ensure this government didn’t get to whitewash and sack him unfairly!
Well done Graham for keeping up with the pressure and exposing everything which these bastards tried to hide! Mate, you’re a hard bloke to sway.
The acting DPP and Rabuku must already be writing their resignations and Temo is probably quaking in his sulu.
Let the suing begin. Prydes reputation was unfairly tarnished by the rotten Temo and it’s only fair for Pryde to seek restitution.
Vinaka!
A long awaited victory.
So happy on CP’s behalf. One can only imagine what he’s had to endure for the past 2 months or so as this rotten and corrupt cabal tried their best to stitch him up out of his rightful job.
Look forward to seeing him walk back into Gunu House.
Just some precaution though:
1. This evil trio cannot be trusted to do anything right by the law or constitution. So CP will have to have eyes every where.
2. Even though the pedo President has released the verdict, there is probably an agenda behind it. CJ and Rabuka have now got to sort their stuff out obviously looking forward to 2026. It’s too little too late.
3. Could this also be the doom knell for Mali2? Let’s hope it is along with all the other nepotistic appointments done by Rabuka.
Great day for CP. Not so for Rabuka and his cronies in government.
Fiji, do not give these cronies another chance in 2026. Boot them out as far as we possibly can.
Big vinaka to Fox terrier GD for chasing that bone until it was captured.
Interesting times ahead….
It is with great pleasure that I read this reporting. Anyone whether they are blue, black or white, rich or poor deserve a fair hearing.
This fair hearing would not have happened unless repeated highlighting of Prydes case by Mister Grubs and more so the sheer determination of the accused himself standing for justice without fear. One man against a mob. That is all it takes one man or woman to stand up for what is right.
It is now only proper that Chief Justice, PM, Justice Minister and Attorney General all resign. Their positions have become untenable.
Convicted Suva lawyer now residing in the Squatter settlement of Takanini- a cheap and nasty south Auckland suburb needs to have a good look at himself for quoting bush laws to get Pryde deported as well as violently abusing Mr Grubs every time he highlighted Pryde’s plight.
Thank you people power!
Lets hope he returns the favour to the people who tried to put him away.
Hope not. He has higher standards.
However if he could look at the manner in which the current deputy was appointed, and given that this deputy cannot act as DPP when the need arises given professional misconduct findings against him, whether his services could be dispensed with.
Great news on Pryde’s case.
Christopher Pryde must immediately come back and take his office.
He should not worry about his safety because we can tell you that Australia and New Zealnd will make sure nothing will compromise his safety and position as DPP.
They have had enough of the shenanigans by this Government and have put their foot down. Diplomatic manevours behind the scenes given in particular the findings and recommendations of the Tribunal.
So Pryde must come back and assert himself and clean out the DPP’s Office immediately and bring some semblance of professionalism and independence to that office.
Pryde must also be strong and not tolerate any nonsense. He has the legal, moral and ethical high ground.
Great News. Restores the faith somewhat.
Also take a bow GD. Your coverage which almost amounted to a crusade for just governance has borne the fruit in this instance. Happy New Year GD.
The tribunal saw that there was a ‘perceived conflict’ due to the interaction between Khaiyum and Pryde. Fair enough.
By the same standard, the merry-making by Rabuku and Malimali poses a potential conflict that hasn’t been mitigated nor any action taken against.
That’s wonderful news…pat yourself on the back Graham; your persistent reporting on the prejudice, bias and downright unlawful treatment toward him no doubt helped that letter come out..wldve loved to have been a fly on the wall when that signature was scribbled😂… Hope he gets all he’s financially due too….
Finally.. sanity prevails. Keep it up GD.
Thanks GD for sticking with this issue and story. The mainstream media can’t be trusted to provide the public with accurate and timely reporting. Also agree with the rest that Siromi needs to go.
Pryde must come back and clean up and throw out the garbage that is currently in Gunu House starting with Tikoisuva and Rabuku. The coalition pigs won’t be sleeping tonight especially Temo, Rabuka, Siromi, Vosarogo, Tabuya, Bainivalu, Malimali and Co.
It’s time to bring back and reinstate those who were wrongfully and forcefully removed under Rabuku and Tikoisuva.
He needs to watch his back because Siromi and Temo will most certainly be out for blood this time around.
2025 has started off well for some of us…
Who would have thunk?
Best news out of Fiji so far in the last 2 years.
But I think we all feel for Mr. Pryde in what he had to endure for no reason whatsoever.
It’s not the best news for elements of the media who have constantly ignored this story. While FBC is leading with the story, CFL-Fiji Village leads with equipment shortages at Savusavu Hospital and relegates the DPP’s reinstatement to second place.
Vijay Narayan and his team are a disgrace.
The tribunal costed the taxpayers $88,000 not to mention paying for two Acting DPP‘s and the money that is owed to Pryde. A very expensive mistake that should not have happened in the first place!
Best news in the last 12 months in Fiji.
Standing ovation to Pryde and GD!
Thank you GD for bringing this case to light.
Thank you Pryde for fighting for justice.
Now please get in there and clean the swamp left behind that is Tikoisuva and Rabuka.
I am going to celebrate this. 🥂🥂
Well done GD for not stepping back on this.
It’s a good day for Fiji when an attempt to remove the DPP has been found wanting.
There have been a number of attempts to undermine the independence of the office of the DPP over the years. The failure of these gives us hope for the future.
Malo GD. Incredible crusader for justice. Indeed, take a long and justly deserved bow.
The saga relating to Christopher Pryde is a sorry one.
It didn’t take a genius to figure out that the charges were weak and lacked merit.
Shame on the people who fabricated the charges and planned the whole episode to remove Mr Pryde and replace him with people favored by the Rabuka Govt. At the heart of this decision and many others is the shadowy figure Siromi Turaga. He in fact tricked Mr Pryde into signing a letter.
Shame on the prosecutors for not having the intelligence and courage to conduct proper research and advise their masters that the charges were without merit.
Shame also on the people who gave evidence to malign Mr Pryde and in particular CJ Temo who called him a thief.
The taxpayers have been put to so much expense because of the abuse of office of Mr Turaga CJ Temo and the people who fabricated the charges..are they going to be charged for abuse of office ..or causing a loss..will they be held accountable..only time will tell
One blunder by Siromi has taken 22 months to resolve. Another started today with Dr Nakarawa’s saga. We all know that Siromi cannot order him to go on leave. Now they will have the President rubber stamp his suspension.
This is great news. The President coukd not legally wiggle out of this one.
I think there is a greater agenda at play here by Rambo and the ‘CBM crew (or mafia as some have referred to them as being) to expose the weaknesses of the likes of Siromi and CJ Temo et al as part of their strategy for winning with a greater majority in 2026.
I can only wish them calm seas and a following wind.
Wonder what and how Rabuku and the other lady are feeling? They will now be led by a white guy.
Pedo President Charlie Chaplin must be fuming that his hands were tied for 2 weeks or so after the report was presented to him and his “consultations” could not find him a way.
Time for the AG and the SG and the Minister for Justice to go as they are useless anyway.
What will happen to the incompetent John Rabuku?
And what of Choran J Singh and Baimaan Prasad? They must be so stressed but still shameless I suppose.
Choran is making headlines for other reasons these days.
Congratulations Grubsheet on your journalism and your persistence.
Look, the emperor has no clothes!
Credibility gone, all he is left with is his pride, and after that will surely come the fall.
There are no places in the high offices of the judiciary for those with blatant political agenda who manufacture falsehoods to secure a conviction.
He must resign.
As for the weasels in the office, take whatever bottles of wine you have left and go.
Thank you Graham for not letting go of this bone.
Thanks Graham for your perseverance fighting for justice. You are a hope for many.
So the mafias have dangled the bait to CP to take the money. Behind the door meetings will start to influence him to quietly quit and go back?
What other plans they intend to mobilise. Interesting times ahead.
Shame upon the disgraceful Vijay Narayan. An insult to journalism!
GD
I was the first person to suggest that the three “wise” men would more than likely make a decision favourable to Pryde, because legally there was absolutely no evidence of any wrong doing by Pryde.
I am also predicting that those senior figures who had submitted allegations of wrong doing against Pryde to the Tribunal would refuse to work or establish a cordial relationship with Pryde. The same senior figures behaviour in assembling and presenting their vindictive, damaging and adverse witness statement against Pryde to the Tribunal has created a “TOXIC” environment between Pryde and the others to work harmoniously. Frankly, I am surprised that Pryde wants to go back to work in a toxic environment against his line managers who gave detrimental (false) evidence against him with a view to damaging his reputation, career and livelihood.
My suggestion is for Pryde to negotiate an exgratia (enhanced) payment,
and kiss goodbye to a rotten Fiji and their law of the jungle.
On the contrary, having already turned down $200,000 to walk away, Christopher Pryde fully intends to work out his existing contract, which expires next year.
He has a year (at least) to work with Rusiate Tudravu, Tudravu’s mentor, Mike Bush – a fellow Kiwi – and the rest of the expatriate team around the new Police Commissioner to try to tackle the law and order crisis. And anyone who gets in the way of that will be political toast.
Together, Tudravu and Pryde have a great deal of power to deal with troublemakers. So they are big players in the jungle and not to be trifled with or underestimated.
That’s a great win for the rule of law in Fiji.
Just hope that horseshit deliberation by the Pedo in Chief wasn’t to insist on some secret squirrel shit concessions from Mr Pryde..but he is an honest man…he didnt prosecute Biman because there wasnt enough evidence to satisfy the elements of the charge even though the dude was out of line and the peanut gallery was yelling for his head.
It’s refreshing to see a neutral law abiding man in that seat.
That’s more God fearing than any of these layman preachers or the suppoused annointed one pictured with 10 talatalas laying hands on him.
But anything is possible when Gabriel comes to hollah in the cassava patch.
GD you be killing me with the inside scoop word pictures you be painting.
Shit all it takes is a small sliver of enduring hope.
Might take a white boy to bail all us f***ing monkeys out.We got a bad habit of stepping on our own dicks and blaming our tails.
God bless you Mr Pryde and Godspeed.
Thanks again PK GD..You doing the Lords work..Shine on crazy diamond, as them Pink Floyd fallas said.
Good job, son of a Talatala.
Your courage, fearless reporting at great personal effort and sacrifice marks you as one great Patriot of Fiji worthy of a national award.
Thank you for keeping us informed and focused on our politician’s failings, something that should never be tolerated, considering the oaths they take and the huge amount of money they get paid for being exceptionally unproductive.
May you enjoy good health and good cheer in 2025.
Vinaka, Ian. Your comment means more to me than any award. I have this terrible problem of continually making enemies. So maybe “Troublemaker of the Year”? 😉