The trial for former Roko Tui Rewa Savenaca Kamikamica entered its third day today.

Kamikamica is charged with two counts of embezzlement and one count of abuse of office.

Current Assistant Roko Tui Rewa Joji Kalounivalu this morning told the court that proper procedures weren’t followed when $11,000 was removed from the Development Assistance Scheme Fund to foot the preparations of the cabinet tour on March 10 2006.

Kalounivalu says funds released from the Finance Ministry to the Provincial Council belong to the Council.

He told the court that he had prepared the payment voucher of $11,000 on the request of Kamikamica who was the Roko Tui Rewa at the time.

He also informed the court that the treasurer Timoci Soqonaivi had authorized the cheque which was approved by Kamikamica.

Kalounivale says he was not aware whether the grant could be used elsewhere.

However at the time he prepared the $11,000 cheque he was not aware it was from the Development Assistance Fund.

When asked whether the Roko Tui’s had the authority to redirect funds for
other purposes other than the intention it was for, Kalounivalu said no.

The trial resumes tomorrow.