Pacific Anti-Corruption Updates (14 August 2014) -- Samoa, Fiji, PNG, Solomon Islands

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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.]

Samoa: Leaked Police Enquiry Report Condemns Prison Corruption. A "significant culture of corruption" and "exploitation" exists at Tafa’igata Prison. http://pidp.eastwestcenter.org/pireport/2014/August/08-12-01.htm

Samoa: Whistle-blower in Samoa Prison Scandal Named, Vindicated. The woman who wrote the so-called "ghost letter" that prompted a Commission of Inquiry into allegations of mismanagement and misadministration at the Prison has been identified and vindicated. http://pidp.eastwestcenter.org/pireport/2014/August/08-13-07.htm

Fiji: Reveal financial status. The People's Democratic Party says the government has to reveal the real state of national finances before the election to allow voters to make an informed decision when they cast their vote on September 17. http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=276945

Fiji: CCF cancels poll events: Yabaki. The Citizens Constitutional Forum has postponed its remaining election-related ‘public conversation’ following a notice from the Supervisor of Elections. http://www.fijisun.com.fj/2014/08/11/ccf-cancels-poll-events-yabaki/

Fiji: Terms of Reference for Fiji Election Observers Agreed to. The first lot of group of observers to assess Fiji's 2014 General Elections are expected into the country soon. http://pidp.eastwestcenter.org/pireport/2014/August/08-13-02.htm

Fiji: PSC deals with abuse. There are some public servants who are still abusing housing privileges within the Public Service Commission. http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=277133

PNG anti-corruption unit takes finance department to court. The head of Papua New Guinea's anti-corruption unit, Taskforce Sweep, has filed contempt proceedings against the head of the finance department. http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/251762/png-anti-corruption-unit-takes-finance-department-to-court

PNG: PNG Ombudsman Commission Refers PM To Prosecutor - Commission alleges O’Neill engaged in misconduct. Prime Minister Peter O’Neill has been referred to the public prosecutor for alleged misconduct in office. http://pidp.eastwestcenter.org/pireport/2014/August/08-13-01.htm
 
Solomon Islands: I-EITI pushes for revenue transparency in mining sector. The Solomon Islands Extractive Industries Transparency Initiatives (SIEITI) is pushing hard for transparency and accountability around the revenue collected from the mining industries in the country. http://www.solomonstarnews.com/news/business/3458-si-eiti-pushes-for-revenue-transparency-in-mining-sector

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