DEFENCE BEGINS CASE OF EX-PWD WORKERS

Defence began its case yesterday in the trial of former employees of the Public Works Department (PWD) who are charged with corruption related offences at the High Court in Suva.

Charge: Ana Laqere, Tavenisa Tavaga, Amelia Vunisea, Laisa Halafi, Vaciseva Lagai, Vilisi Tuitavuki, Kiniviliame Taviraki and Shelveen Narayan are facing seven counts of abuse of office, 35 counts of causing a loss and two counts of obtaining a financial advantage. Seven accused persons are ex-employees of PWD while the eighth accused is the director of Phoenix Hardware Engineering and General Supplies, Ontime Stationery Supplies and Shavel Stationery Supplies, Shelveen Narayan, who had pleaded guilty to his charges.

Defence witness 1: Ana Lagere

The first accused Ana Lagere who was the acting senior accounts officer for PWD took the witness stand yesterday. Ms Lagere told the court of her roles and responsibilities which include processing of purchase orders, certifying source documents, face keeping of the manual local purchase order (LPO) register and updating of the financial management information system (FMIF) system.

Her other duties included preparing of weekly reports and submitting them to the chief accountant and divisional engineer and they would comprise of the budget reallocation for certain job projects and expenses accordingly.

In cross examination FICAC lawyer Rashmi Aslam asked Lagere of her qualification. Lagere replied that she has a Post Graduate Certificate in International Relations and Diplomacy and further said that she was hired by PWD on experience and not qualification as she has no qualification in accountancy. Defence lawyer Sarava Prakash from the Legal Aid for Tavaga filed a no case to answer by way of an oral submission. She was acquitted last Friday by Justice Thusara Rajasinghe, which leaves six accused persons standing trial.

The defence lawyers have indicated to court that they would only be calling all the accused persons to give evidence.

Mr Aslam is being assisted by co-counsel Anaseini Lomani and Laite Bokini-Ratu. Defence lawyers Nacanieli Bulisea is representing Lagere, Vunisea, Halafi and Taviraki.

Lagai is represented by Priya Lal of the Legal Aid and Tuitavuki is represented by Namrata Mishra of the Legal Aid. The trial continues today.