DPP says his office is independent
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
THE Director of Public Prosecutions Ronald Bei Talasasa says his office is independent and impartial, and that there has been no outside interference with his work.
Mr Talasasa explained this as he shared a few of his reflections over the past years as he approaches his retirement age in two years time.
“May I repeat what I always stated: no amount of influence neither any level of threat or violence can ever be able to move the DPP in the exercise of his powers,” Mr Talasasa said.
He said whether in life or in death, his duty is to the law and the Constitution of Solomon Islands.
“I have the Bible in my right hand and the Constitution in my left with the Cross and the people of Solomon Islands ahead of me.
“There is no other turning,” Mr Talasasa said.
He said the DPP is blessed with an understanding of the Government and Opposition, as far as this concerns the independence of the DPP.
“I can confidently state that there has been no interference with the work of the DPP except for instances, where there may be a misunderstanding of the role of the DPP, which results in somewhat heated exchanges with the political leadership some more than 10 years ago or an action by a former Acting Attorney General.”
Mr Talasasa said he recalled an occasion in early 1990s when he was a fairly junior lawyer.
“The DPP at that time was requested by the Prime Minister to attend to his office.
“The DPP did not attend but asked me to attend, instead.
“I attended to the Prime Minister at the Cabinet Office, among his Ministers.
“I was asked why the Leader of opposition was not charged by the DPP.
“I explained with respect, that the DPP is not subject to the control of any person or authority and that he bases his decision on evidentiary matters.
“When I explained, it was understood and accepted by then prime minister.
“The Prime Minister was only enquiring and wanted clarifications. That was way back in the early 1990s.
“Other than that, there has not been any other like instances.”
Mr Talasasa said the understanding of the role of the DPP by Government, Members of Parliament and by the general public, is very much appreciated.
He said that is an important illustration of respect for the rule of law in our country and should be maintained.
“The DPP continues to support the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) in terms of according advice on evidentiary matters and other legal issues that emanate from matters that are being investigated.
“We attempt to be timely in the provision of this service as is stipulated in the ODPP Manual, that advice files are returned to the RSIPF within 5 weeks from date of receipt.”
Mr Talasasa explained that there are times when this time line cannot be met due to the complexity of the investigation or the engagement of the allocated officer in court, or other reasons.
“However, we are always conscious of our role and ensure that no stone is left unturned.”
Asked if his office has any case file for MPs, Mr Talasasa said at present, or since the case file of Member of Parliament for Baegu/Asifola David Tome was dispatch, they have no other advice matter involving MPs that are in their hands.
He said there is one but is not corruption related and the case file of David Day Pacha and MP Tome.
“That is all, besides one of a former MP.
“As I said, I always ensure that advice matters are returned to the RSIPF within five weeks of receipt from the RSIPF, or shortly thereafter.”
Another issue he raised was one great challenge that seems a trend in the administration of justice, in terms of effecting speedy trials.
He said he has raised this at the Justice Sector Meeting recently that they, collectively, as a Sector, have to turn their minds to the status quo and find ways to speed up trials
“There is not one, quick fix solution to this challenge as a number of factors contribute to this.
“Whilst that is so, it is time to turn our mind to that and devise a better system.”
