The trial proper of former Fiji Ports Corporation Limited Chairman Sialeni Vuetaki will not be taking place this year as the courts are fully booked for the rest of the year.

Magistrate Eparama Rokoika told the court that since the case had been transferred from two other Magistrate courts mid way through the trial, having a new trial would be a lengthy and costly exercise for the government.

Defence Counsel Parmesh Sharma told the court that out of the thirteen witnesses, ten have already been called and he would have no objections in resuming the case with the remaining three witnesses, provided he is given the court transcripts of the other witnesses that have taken the stand.

FICAC lawyers also had no objections to that, but insisted that they be first given the Court exhibits to resume the case, however they are still waiting.

Magistrate Rokoika stated that due to logical difficulties and the courts unavailability, it would be prudent to start the trial proper in 2010.

Vuetaki has been charged with one count of abuse of office.

The case will be called again for mention on the 30th of November.