Voreqe Bainimarama

FICAC investigated mismanagement of funds at the University of the South Pacific

The Prosecution’s second witness, Kuliniasi Saumi, revealed this when he gave evidence in the case against former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and suspended Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho.

Bainimarama is charged with a count of attempting to pervert the course of justice, while Qiliho is charged with a count of abuse of office.

The charges stem from a complaint filed by the university in July 2019 pertaining to the conduct of former staff members.

Trial begins for ex-Fiji PM Bainimarama and suspended police chief

The charge being brought against Bainimarama is attempting to pervert the course of justice and Qiliho is facing one count of abuse of office.

The allegations are related to a complaint filed by the University of the South Pacific in July 2019 concerning the actions of former staff members of the regional university.

According to the public prosecution office, Bainimarama and Qiliho are alleged to have arbitrarily and in abuse of the authority of their respective offices directed for the termination of an active investigation.

Bail conditions set for Meli Bainimarama

The 36-year-old who is facing 17 counts was ordered to surrender his passport, not to apply for another passport, not to travel outside of New South Wales and to report to the Granville Police Station once a day between 5 am and 8 pm.

He has also been ordered not to enter any international airport or other point of departure from Australia.

The court said in any event, his passport is to be surrendered within 24 hours of release from custody.

Former Fiji PM Bainimarama suspended for breaching parliamentary privilege

It comes after the former prime minister said the President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere had failed to protect the Constitution and the rule of law in his opening statement for the 2023 parliamentary session on Monday.

The FijiFirst leader will be out of Parliament until 17 February 2026, after a midnight vote as both sides of the House clashed over Bainimarama's suspension.

Leader of government business Lynda Tabuya said Bainimarama's words "denigrated" the Head of State when he uttered "seditious words".

Former Fiji PM Voreqe Bainimarama referred to Privileges Committee

Minister for Home Affairs Pio Tikoduadua alleged that Bainimarama uttered words that are denigrating, humiliating to the Head of State and also as Commander-in-Chief when appealing to the rank and file of the RFMF which in view of Tikoduadua are highly seditious and disrespectful while dishonoring the dignity and bringing Parliament into disrepute which contravene the Parliamentary Standing Orders.

The Privileges Committee has to meet from later today and report back to Parliament on Friday.

Fiji's Bainimarama and Sayed-Khaiyum were questioned by police

Former prime minister Frank Bainimarama and former attorney-general Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum reported at the CID headquarters just after 3pm local time on Tuesday.

Fiji Police chief of intelligence, investigations and prosecution Sakeo Raikaci, who is the acting assistant commissioner, said both men were being questioned for allegations of abuse of office with regards to a separate report lodged earlier.

     

Fijian PM highlight obstacles to UN Development Goals, promote Suva Declaration

He was speaking at the UN Sustainable Development Summit in New York.

“Many developing countries do not have the financial resources to do what is needed to fulfil the goals. Many countries have the ideas, the plans and the resolve to act; but do not have the financial backing they need,” he said.

“If we can recognise that the lack of funding is what can hold many of us back, then it should be one of the key critical issues to be discussed in this summit. We have our goals. Now, how do we get there? We must make affordable financing for sustainable progress a reality.

Talk of Fiji rift as Voreqe Bainimarama a no-show at Pacific Islands Forum

The pair were scheduled to both attend PIF in Port Moresby this week but Bainimarama is a no-show and Key said “it would have been nice” if he had turned up.

Key acknowledged it was Bainimarama's decision saying, “if he doesn't want to come he doesn't have to come”.

There are indications Bainimarama has been stirring up trouble by encouraging smaller Pacific states to thumb their noses at New Zealand and Australia this week.

PIDF declaration seen as strong political move

Fijian Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama says the PIDF has never been stronger and will sign a Suva Declaration, described as a common position on climate change, to take to a global meeting in Paris.

Jenny Hayward-Jones from the Lowy Institute says if the Pacific Islands Forum was to try to do a similar declaration, there could be confusion about which reflected the region.

Hayward-Jones says the timing of the PIDF move, a few days out from the Port Moresby meeting, makes a strong political statement.

No referendum on flag - Fiji PM

Bainimarama was responding to a question in Parliament by Opposition Leader Ro Teimumu Kepa who asked whether the Fijian Government would consider a referendum given the overwhelming negative reaction to the plans to change the Fiji flag.

“Thank you Madam Speaker, the simple answer is no!” said Bainimarama.