Director of Public Prosecutions (Fiji)

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions of Fiji (ODPP) is an independent prosecuting service, responsible for the conduct of criminal prosecutions in Fiji.[1]

History

The office of Director of Public Prosecutions was originally created under the Fiji Independence Act and Constitution of 1970,[2] and came into operation in that year. It was later established under the Constitutions of 1990, 1997 and 2013.[3] Mr Ghananand Mishra was Fiji's first Director of Public Prosecutions appointed in 1970 followed by Mr Andrew Deoki in 1972, Mr Kulandra Ratneser in 1976, Mr Sailosi Kepa in 1980, Mr Michael Scott in 1985, Mr Mehboob Raza in 1987, and Mr Isikeli Mataitoga in 1988. Ms Nazhat Shameem was appointed Fiji’s first female DPP in 1994. She was followed by Mr Josaia Naigulevu in 1999, and Ms Ayesha Jinasena[4] in 2010. The current DPP is Mr Christopher Pryde[5] who was appointed in 2011.

Functions

The Director of Public Prosecutions is granted discretionary powers under the Constitution to conduct, take over, and discontinue criminal prosecutions in the courts of Fiji, except for proceedings undertaken by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption.[3] The 2013 Constitution[3] under section 117 authorises the DPP to independently govern all matters concerning the public prosecutions and ensures its independence not only for prosecution but also to determine all matters pertaining to the employment of all staff concerning the ODPP Fiji. The ODPP plays a key role in supporting the enforcement of criminal laws in Fiji, international laws, treaties and conventions that the Fijian government has ratified, as well as contributing towards the continued development and maintenance of a just and fair criminal justice system.[6]

The 2013 Constitution, for the first time ever, provides the DPP full control over a parliamentary-approved budget as well as control over administrative staff and the appointment of legal staff.

Director of Public Prosecutions Fiji

The DPP is appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Judicial Services Commissions. Section 117 of the 2013 Constitution states that the DPP is appointed for a term of 7 years and is eligible for reappointment and he or she must also be a person who is qualified to be appointed as a Judge.

The current DPP is Christopher Pryde[5] who was appointed to the position in November 2011.

Prior to this Christopher Pryde[5] was Fiji's Solicitor General, a position he held since 2007 and in addition to this Mr Pryde was Fiji's Permanent Secretary for Justice and Anti Corruption until his appointment as the country's DPP.

Mr Pryde's contract was renewed as the DPP for another seven years in 2019. [7]

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See also

The ODPP Fiji launched its revamped website and Twitter handle in 2015. Visit the ODPP Fiji Website- http://odpp.com.fj/ for more information about the work of the ODPP Fiji and daily updates.

References
  1. Fiji, ODPP (20 November 2017). "Annual Report 2014" (PDF). ODPP Fiji. Retrieved 20 November 2017.
  2. "Fiji Independence Order 1970" (PDF). Pacific Islands Legal Information Institute. Retrieved November 10, 2017.
  3. "Constitution of the Republic of Fiji (2013)" (PDF). Pacific Islands Legal Information Institute. Retrieved November 10, 2017.
  4. Village, Fiji (25 June 2020). "New DPP appointed". Fiji Village. Retrieved 25 June 2020.
  5. Waqavakatoga, William. "Christopher Pryde appointed new DPP". Retrieved 15 November 2017.
  6. Fiji, ODPP (21 May 2020). "Our Core Functions". ODPP Fiji. Retrieved 21 May 2020.
  7. Pratibha, Jyoti (6 April 2019). "Christopher Pryde for seven more years". Fiji Sun. Retrieved 21 May 2020.


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