Weleilakeba questioning continues today

Weleilakeba questioning continues today

By fijivillage.com
Tuesday 10/07/2012
The cross examination of FICAC witness and former CEO of Fijian Holdings Limited, Sitiveni Weleilakeba continues in the Laisenia Qarase court trial today as the defence counsel continues to raise the questions on the processes followed by FHL to allot shares.

Upon questioning, Weleilakeba confirmed that employees and board directors were not disallowed to purchase FHL shares at the time as they only had to meet the criteria which was that the person has to be an indigenous Fijian registered under the Vola Ni Kawa Bula, has money to purchase the shares and the person had to be part of 50 shareholders as the limit stood at 50 at the time. 

Weleilakeba confirmed that the only other FHL board director who had applied to purchase shares was Joe Mar.

When questioned on whether the late Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara was part of the FHL board, Weleilakeba said Ratu Mara was only the architect of FHL but he never served as a board member. 

However, he confirmed that in 1988, Ministers Navunisaravi, Josevata Kamikamica and Berenado Vunibobo were part of the FHL board. He also confirmed that Reserve Bank of Fiji Governor, Ratu Jone Kubuabola was also part of the board.

Meanwhile Qarase’s lawyer, Tupou Draunidalo raised the question on why only the FHL board resolutions were recorded in the minutes of the meetings.

Draunidalo said to Weleilakeba on whether it would be correct to say that not recording the discussions prior to the board decision reached is a practice that is not good corporate governance. Weleilakeba who was the minute taker as FHL Secretary said this was done 20 years ago and the then Chairman, the late Lyle Cupit only wanted the board resolutions recorded.
 

Draunidalo also questioned Weleilakeba if he received any training on holding the position of company Secretary. 

Weleilakeba said he can confirm that he received no training in this area.

Qarase’s lawyer then asked Weleilakeba whether it would be correct to say that they just have to rely on Weleilakeba’s words and assume that Qarase voted on all the resolutions brought forward to the FHL board. 

Draunidalo also told Weleilakeba that he did not bother to record the discussions before a board decision or even if someone abstained from voting. 

Weleilakeba replied that there was time given to the directors to correct anything in the minutes in the following board meeting.

Upon questioning, Weleilakeba also confirmed that all the applications for FHL shares by Qarase for Cicia Plantation Co-op Society Limited, Mavana Investments Limited and Q-Ten Investments Limited were attached with all the details when it was forwarded to the board for approval of allotment of the shares. 

Qarase is charged with 6 counts of abuse of office and three counts of discharge of duty with respect to property in which he has a private interest.

The trial continues before Justice Priyantha Fernando. 

You can also follow Qarase’s trial on fijivillage.com


Story by: Vijay Narayan
FEATURE NEWS
It’s a tragedy that Fiji has been ruled by decrees - Fatiaki
The last set of military coups, removed democratically elected governments, including how the laws are made, and it’s a real tragedy that we were ru...
6 minutes ago
LATEST NEWS
Tira Welagi is Fiji 7s captain for Singapore as captain Jeremaia Matana out due to injury
The Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s team has retained most of the players from the Hong Kong 7s tournament last week as they hope to improve on ...
1 hour ago

Rheumatic heart surgeries need to continue at CWM Hospital – Dr Kapadia
Renowned General and Interventional Cardiologist Dr Vijay Kapadia, based at the Gold Coast University Hospital in Australia, has stressed the need ...
1 hour ago

4 people still admitted at CWM Hospital after Queen Elizabeth Drive accident
4 occupants of the vehicle that was involved in an accident along the Queen Elizabeth Drive yesterday are still admitted at the CWM ...
2 hours ago

Rainfall recorded in Vatukacevaceva, Waimanu, Monasavu hydro and Korovou surpasses 50mm
Fijians living in and along Vatukacevaceva in Ra, Waimanu and Monasavu Hydro in Naitasiri and Korovou in Tailevu should continue to be cautious as ...
2 hours ago

Man in his 60’s dies following accident in Nasinu last night
A man in his 60’s has died following a road accident in Nasinu last night. Police say the man while crossing the Yasiyasi Road near the Valelevu ...
2 hours ago



fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Latest Videos

Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Coach, Glen Jackson appear on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Coach, Glen Jackson appeared on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan from the Drua base in Nadi. Coming off ...
2 hours ago

Reverend Tugi on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
Watch the General Secretary of Fiji Evangelical Fellowship, Reverend Simione Tugi on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay ...
35 days ago

fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan and William Parkinson
Chairman of Communications Fiji Limited, parent company of FM96, LegendFM, VitiFM, Navtarang, Radio Sargam, fijivillage and PNGFM, William Parkinson ...
36 days ago

TOP