Screams of joy erupted throughout the corridors of Government Buildings yesterday as supporters of former prime minister Voreqe Bainimarama celebrated the non-custodial sentence handed by Suva Magistrate Seini Puamau.
Wading through a crowd of elated supporters and emotional loved ones, Mr Bainimarama said “he was on top of the world” when asked how he felt about the sentence.
Outside of the courthouse, an emotional Mary Bainimarama was joined by their daughters who were visibly emotional.
Ms Puamau granted Mr Bainimarama an absolute discharge and a non-custodial sentence.
She said there were no discernible aggravating factors found from the duo’s charges.
According to Ms Puamau, a comprehensive medical report from his physician, Dr Jioji Malani, revealed the numerous medical conditions and procedures that affected his health.
She said he had a coronary artery bypass graft with two vessel bypasses, a “maze procedure” to the left atrium to correct atrial fibrillation, an obstructive sleep apnea which required a CPAP machine therapy on a daily basis – and any lack of the use of CPAP machine affected daily performance and cardiac function.
The court heard the former PM requires daily medication to relive neuropathic pain to his left arm and constant medical attention – the result of a major cardiac surgery.
“Mr Bainimarama although has improved from his major heart surgery in 2022 remains at high risk for further cardiac events (25 per cent) recurrent arrhythmia and obstructive sleep apnea,” Dr Malani said.
“This is further aggravated by extreme stress to which he is presently exposed at various levels.”
Mr Bainimarama and suspended police commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho were convicted of charges related to interfering with police investigations into the mismanagement of funds by the University of the South Pacific Council in 2019.
Mr Qiliho was fined $1500 – without conviction – which he has to pay within 30 days or spend 30 days in prison.
