Fiji Development Bank Senior legal officer Salimoni Karusi is the second last FICAC witness to testify in the case against Laisenia Qarase.

Karusi explained to the court that in the recorded minutes of a FDB meeting held on May 28 1992, the Cicia Plantation Co-operative was discussed.

The late Lyle Cupit as chair of FDB and Qarase the Managing Director and other directors were all present at that meeting.

Karusi told the court that they discussed Cicia Plantation Co-operative, the loan they applied for and a further loan to Q-ten investments.

Q-ten is a business owned by the Qarase family.

However in the two instances there was no declaration of any interest of any kind made at the meeting.

He confirmed that a letter about further loan of $160,000 was written to Q-ten investments and addressed to Qarase.

Karusi stated Leba Qarase was paid $47,807 and there – Josefa and Laisenia Qarase Junior were directors.

He confirmed that the bank approved the $160,000 loan from FDB to buy shares from FHL in 1992 as it was considered a satisfactory customer.

The case has been adjourned to Monday.”