Pacific Anti-Corruption Updates - Mariana Islands, Cook Islands, PNG, Solomon Islands, Samoa (18 July 2014)

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[Facilitator's note: With thanks to Tony Prescott, Annika Wythes, Isikeli Valemei, Luisa Senibulu, and Samita Sing of the joint UNDP-UNODC Pacific Regional Anti-Corruption Project for sharing these updates.]

Accusations of corruption after Mariana Islands announce casino deal. Legislators in the Commonwealth of the Mariana Islands have been accused of corruption following the awarding of a controversial casino licence in Saipan.
http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/2014-07-17/accusations-of-corruption-after-mariana-islands-announce-casino-deal/1344147


Cook Islands: Biggest Upset of Elections Marred By Bribery Allegations. Jubilation over Rose Toki Brown’s victory over political veteran Norman George has quickly faded as allegations of bribery and treating begin to fly in the Atiuan constituency of Teenui-Mapumai.
http://pidp.eastwestcenter.org/pireport/2014/July/07-16-09.htm
 
PNG: Director of Corruption Task Force: Won’t Be Intimidated. The director of Papua New Guinea's anti-corruption unit, Task Force Sweep, says no amount of intimidation will stop him from doing his job.
http://pidp.eastwestcenter.org/pireport/2014/July/07-16-10.htm
 
PNG: Paraka saga claims another legal scalp. The lawyer representing Papua New Guinea's police commissioner, Geoffrey Vaki, has been arrested and charged by members of the National Fraud Squad.
http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/249890/paraka-saga-claims-another-legal-scalp
 
Solomon Islands: Government sued: Ousted AG challenges sacking in High Court. Sacked Auditor General (AG) Edward Ronia is challenging his termination from the office by filing a case in the High Court.
http://www.solomonstarnews.com/news/national/2881-government-sued-ousted-ag-challenges-sacking-in-high-court
 
Solomon Islands: Former officer calls for investigation into police actions. A former top police investigator has called on relevant authorities to investigate police officers who have involved in handling the case of the Mbokona murder.
http://www.solomonstarnews.com/news/national/2893-former-officer-calls-for-investigation-into-police-actions
 
Samoa's suspended police given options. A commission of inquiry in Samoa is giving top police officers options to resign or respond to allegations and proceed with the inquiry.
http://www.samoanews.com/content/en/samoas-suspended-police-given-options

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