SUSPENDED permanent secretary for the Ministry for Fisheries and Forestry Atelaite Rokosuka has completed her evidence-in-chief and cross-examination.
Ms Rokosuka, who is the prosecution’s first witness, appeared yesterday on day one of the trial of former minister for fisheries and forestry Kalaveti Ravu and the ministry’s regional northern manager Tekata Toaisi.
The trial is being presided over by Magistrate Jeremaia Savou in the Magistrate’s Court in Suva.
The former minister is accused of interfering in the lawful process of a ministerial investigation into the suspected illegal trade of a banned species of beche-de-mer.
His co-accused Mr Toaisi is charged with aiding Mr Ravu in the commission of that act between July and August last year.
This charge has been sanctioned by FICAC.
Ms Rokosuka was questioned for about an hour on the process followed when a complaint arises, with Operation Sucuwalu and other documents put to her to identify.
The prosecution’s second witness, Tarisi Shaw, the ministry’s principal fisheries officer, was also scheduled to give evidence in the afternoon.
The former minister is represented by Lavi Rokoika while Joji Cakau is representing Mr Toaisi.
The trial continues.
