Court Orders Government to Pay Bainimarama $2,000 for Filing Delay

The Government, through the Attorney General’s Office, has been ordered by the court to pay $2,000 to former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama for failing to file documents on time.

The court has also mandated that the defendants file their affidavit verifying the list of documents by 28th February 2025. Failure to comply will result in an additional $4,000 cost against the State.

The court has set further deadlines: the plaintiff must convene a pre-trial conference and file the minutes by 14th March 2025, and submit order 34 summons and bundle of documents by 25th March 2025. Non-compliance will lead to pleadings being struck off with costs.

The matter will be mentioned again on 8th April 2025 to check compliance. Tevita Cagilaba, representing the Government, requested an extension due to delays in obtaining documents from various ministries.

Bainimarama’s lawyers are seeking payment of the balance of his gratuity, pension funds, and statutory entitlements.

The court emphasized the importance of adhering to deadlines, noting that the case was last called on 5th November 2024, with specific orders for filing documents.

Failure to meet these deadlines will result in further penalties.