Pacific Anti-Corruption Updates (29 August 2014) -- Solomon Islands, Fiji, PNG

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

Solomon Islands: Taiwanese to take plea next. The Taiwanese national accused of trying to export millions of dollar worth of Tubi logs will enter his plea on September 10. http://www.solomonstarnews.com/news/national/3754-taiwanese-to-take-plea-next

Solomon Islands: PM cleared of misconduct allegation. The Leadership Code Commission (LCC) has cleared Prime Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo of an allegation of misconduct in office. http://www.solomonstarnews.com/news/national/3613-pm-cleared-of-misconduct-allegation

Solomon Islands: Gov't grilled on missing Beche-de-mer. It is over a year now and police investigation into the controversial missing beche-de-mer consignment has not answered the many questions surrounding the saga. http://www.solomonstarnews.com/news/national/3753-gov-t-grilled-on-missing-beche-de-mer

Solomon Islands: Trio faces fraud charge. A woman who allegedly obtained more than $150,000 from her employer under false pretences in 2008 is now facing the court. http://www.solomonstarnews.com/news/3021-trio-faces-fraud-charge

Fiji: Financial scrutiny. No supporting documentation was provided for a number of government accounts in 2009 including credit balances in the revolving fund account totaling $641,044 and lending fund account for the scholarship unit amounting to $3.7m despite the account being asset in nature. http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=277922

Fiji: Illicit drugs in package from Ukraine: Fiji Revenue Customs Authority. Fiji’s Boarder Control officers intercepted a parcel sent in from Ukraine containing five packets of white powder believed to be illicit drugs, pseudoephedrine. http://www.fbc.com.fj/fiji/22510/customs-officers-seize-drugs-at-airport-postoffice#sthash.WyQS4Q8r.dpuf

Fiji: One-day polling to avoid fraud: PM Bainimarama. FijiFirst Leader Voreqe Bainimarama says the decision to hold one day polling for the September elections is to avoid fraud in the voting process. http://www.pina.com.fj/index.php?p=pacnews&m=read&o=42378021453fbfd5ad98c839623ba6

PNG: Australia urged to talk more meaningfully about PNG corruption. An Australian academic says Australia ought to bring up the issue of corruption in PNG in bilateral talks more than it does. http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/radio/program/pacific-beat/australia-urged-to-talk-more-meaningfully-about-png-corruption/1360706

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