The trial of the former Director of Fiji Institute of Technology has commenced.
Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption which had laid charges on the former Director of FIT, Kolinio Meo told Magistrate Amani Rokotinaviti today that they would be presenting 13 witnesses in the case.
Meo has been charged with one count of abuse of office for special benefit. It is alleged that between 12th to 17th December, Meo allegedly took sick leave and recuperated at Raffles Tradewinds Hotel in Lami and the bill amounting to $726.60 was paid by FIT.
Cynthia Koy who was employed as Personal Assistant to the Director told the court that on 12th December she received instructions from Meo that he was sick and to fill his leave form and also to raise internal requisition if he could be allowed to recuperate and accommodated at Raffles Tradewinds as he needed complete bed rest.
However, she said that it was not a normal practice.
Another witness, Alifereti Cawanibuka, the General Manager Academic Support Services told the court that there were no officers and he had to endorse the requisition so it could be processed because it came from his superior.
The Finance Manager at the time, Narayan Parmeshwar who also took the stand today told the court that there was a executive insurance policy where Meo was covered and on that understanding Meo went to Raffles Tradewinds.
He was asked by FICAC lawyer on whether the Policy said anything about Meo recuperating at a hotel, to which Parmeshwar replied that this was a first and a serious case and issues were raised.
He also told the court that it was claimed that the meals were for more than one person and the bills to be paid to Raffles Tradewinds was $726.60.
This issue was raised with Meo who informed the Finance Manager that if the Insurance Company fails to reimburse, then he will pay the amount. However the insurance company had declined the request.
The case has been adjourned to 18th March.
