• Key Witness on Trial: Suspended permanent secretary Atelaite Rokosuka, the prosecution’s first witness, delivered a pivotal hour-long testimony.
• Allegations Unveiled: The trial targets ex-minister Kalaveti Ravu for meddling in a ministerial probe into the illegal trade of a banned beche-de-mer species.
• Complicit Accusation: Regional northern manager Tekata Toaisi faces charges for allegedly aiding Ravu during the controversial trade between July and August last year.
• Document Drama: During her cross-examination, Rokosuka was grilled on procedural details, including the notorious Operation Sucuwalu documents.
• Courtroom Showdown: The trial, presided over by Magistrate Jeremaia Savou in Suva, continues as more testimonies are set to follow.
In a courtroom charged with tension and high stakes, suspended permanent secretary Atelaite Rokosuka has just wrapped up her compelling evidence-in-chief and cross-examination on the first day of trial. The case pits former Fisheries and Forestry Minister Kalaveti Ravu against allegations of interference in a ministerial investigation into the illicit trade of a banned beche-de-mer species—a scandal that has sent shockwaves through the industry.
Rokuosuka, standing as the prosecution’s initial witness, was put under the spotlight as she detailed the stringent processes followed when a complaint arises, with her testimony scrutinizing documents linked to Operation Sucuwalu. Her evidence is a critical component in a case that not only accuses Ravu of obstructing justice but also charges Tekata Toaisi, the ministry’s regional northern manager, with facilitating these nefarious activities during the turbulent months of July and August last year—a charge that has garnered backing from FICAC.
The trial, held in the Magistrate’s Court in Suva under the watchful eye of Magistrate Jeremaia Savou, has already seen intense legal maneuvers. While Rokosuka’s testimony has set a dramatic tone, the prosecution’s next move involves calling Tarisi Shaw, the ministry’s principal fisheries officer, to further cement the case. Representing the embattled ex-minister is Lavi Rokoika, with Joji Cakau defending Mr. Toaisi.
As the courtroom drama unfolds, every detail brought forth promises to expose deeper layers of corruption and misconduct within the fisheries sector. Stay tuned as this riveting trial continues to develop, with more explosive revelations expected to rock the establishment.
