Former Minister for Fisheries and Forestry, Kalaveti Ravu application for a variation of bail to travel to China has been granted.

In this matter, Ravu is charged with one count of abuse of office.

Ravu is charged alongside the Ministry’s regional manager North Tekata Toaisi.

It is alleged that between 25th July 2023 and 31 August 2023, Ravu interfered in the lawful process of a Ministry of Fisheries investigation into the illegal trade of banned species of beche-de-mer.

It is alleged that Toaisi, while employed with the Ministry aided and abetted the Minister in committing the offence of abuse of office.

Ravu had filed an application for bail variation to travel to China later this month for a workshop as a member of parliament.

Magistrate Jeremaia Savou informed Ravu to submit his travel itinerary to the registry and to FICAC  before his passport is released and the stop departure order is lifted for the period.

FICAC lawyer, Lavenia Ravuikadavu did not object to the bail variation.

She also told the court that a pre-trial conference had been conducted and served to the counsels for both the accused.

The court has set the trial date from the 3rd to the 7th of February, next year.  

FICAC will present 12 witnesses and 39 documents in this matter.

The matter has been adjourned to the 7th of January for pre-trial matters.