# CHRISTOPHER PRYDE REINSTATED AS DPP (UPDATED WITH LINK TO TRIBUNAL REPORT)

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 

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