Fresh trial for former Ports Chairman

There will be a fresh trial for former Ports Fiji Limited Chairman Sialeni Veutaki who earlier pleaded not guilty to charges of abuse of Office.

Vuetaki's trial had started in the Magistrates court before Magistrate Amani Rokotinaviti in February this year, however Rokotinaviti did not return to the bench after the events of April 10th, 2009 when the constitution was abrogated.

In his ruling, the Chief Magistrate Ajmal Gulab Khan said under the Criminal Procedure Code, the court is entitled to proceed with the case from where his predecessor left off.

However, he said he would have to rely on the notes taken by the former Magistrate as 10 witnesses had already been called and three remain to give evidence.

Magistrate Khan said it is in the best interest of justice that there be a fresh trial as it would be fair and prevent any likeliness of bias.

The trial is now set to begin on September 23rd.

Vuetaki was charged with abuse of office for allegedly approving a payment of $170,000 to the Former CEO of Ports Fiji without the approval of the Ports Fiji Board.