Summary
Kalaveti Ravu, former minister for fisheries and forests, has sought court authorization to travel to China for a seminar amidst ongoing legal challenges. His passport is held by the court, necessitating a review of his travel arrangements. Co-accused Tekata Toaisi failed to appear in court, raising procedural concerns. The trial is set for February of next year, with further appearances scheduled soon.

Kalaveti Ravu, a former minister for fisheries and forests, has requested the permission of the court to travel abroad for a seminar in China scheduled from October 22 to 31. During court proceedings, Mr. Ravu’s attorney, Lavi Rokoika, informed Magistrate Jeremaia Savou that his client has not been able to submit his biodata for travel arrangements because his passport remains with the court. Magistrate Savou permitted the photocopying of Mr. Ravu’s biodata for release by the end of the business day, while the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) was allotted a period of 14 days to respond to the petition concerning the release of Mr. Ravu’s travel documents. Furthermore, Mr. Ravu’s co-defendant, Tekata Toaisi, who serves as the regional manager for the Ministry of Fisheries and Forests, did not appear in court. His counsel, Joji Cakau, explained that Mr. Toaisi misremembered the court date and assured the court of his client’s presence at the next session. The trial has been scheduled to proceed from February 3 to 7 of the coming year. Mr. Ravu faces allegations of interfering with a ministerial investigation related to the illegal trade of a prohibited species of beche-de-mer, while Mr. Toaisi is accused of facilitating this conduct between July and August of the previous year. Both individuals are set to return to court on October 3.

The case surrounding Kalaveti Ravu involves serious allegations of misconduct related to the management of fisheries resources, notably the illegal trade of banned species. Ravu, along with his co-accused Toiasi, has been implicated in obstructing legal inquiries aimed at regulating these resources, drawing attention to issues of governance and accountability within governmental ministries. Their upcoming trial is anticipated to shed light on the regulatory framework governing natural resources and the integrity of public officials in Fiji. Furthermore, the request for travel clearance raises questions regarding the impact of ongoing legal proceedings on individual rights, especially in cases involving public servants.

In summary, Kalaveti Ravu has requested court approval to attend a seminar in China while facing serious allegations regarding his conduct as a former minister. The court has facilitated arrangements for his travel biodata, pending further responses from FICAC. Meanwhile, his co-defendant, Mr. Toaisi, failed to appear at the hearing, emphasizing the challenges faced by those implicated in governmental oversight of natural resources. Both individuals are expected to return to court soon to address their legal matters.

Original Source: www.fijitimes.com.fj

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