Pacific Anti-Corruption Updates (7 Nov 2014) - PNG, Cook Islands, Intl Finance Corporation, 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 sharing these updates.]

PNG: Calls for government to tackle corruption before amending the Lands Act. Moves by the Papua New Guinea government to review the Lands Act and introduce new legislation are premature when the real problem of corruption is not being addressed, according to activist group Act Now. http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/radio/program/pacific-beat/calls-for-png-government-to-tackle-corruption-before-amending-the-lands-act/1384867

PNG: Corruption watchdog wants answers on fugitive. Transparency International PNG once again calls on the government for release of full information on the granting of citizenship to Indonesian fugitive Joko Tjandra. http://www.pina.com.fj/?p=pacnews&m=read&o=15681975165452e840052d01fc1459

PNG: Explores Text Messaging Plan To Fight Corruption - Whistle-blowers could provide anonymous tips via mobile phone. Sending text messages to report corruption is the latest weapon Papua New Guinean authorities are considering in the fight against corruption.

http://pidp.eastwestcenter.org/pireport/2014/November/11-05-05.htm

Cook Islands: Budget Submission Sparks Heated Debate In Parliament. The latest budget sparked heated debates over inaccuracies and criticism of cuts in the financial plan tabled last week.

http://pidp.eastwestcenter.org/pireport/2014/November/11-05-06.htm

Pacific Island nations recognized for boosting business growth. The World Bank's private sector arm, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), has recognized Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Palau and Timor-Leste for their reforms to boost business growth. http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-11-03/pacific-nations-awarded-for-economic-reform/5863588

Solomons whistleblower law stuck in limbo. A Solomon Islands law that aims to reform weak leadership code legislation is stuck in limbo as the country approaches elections. http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/258668/solomons-whistleblower-law-stuck-in-limbo

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