Pacific Anti-Corruption Updates (5 Dec 2014) - Vanuatu, PNG, Solomon Islands, Fiji

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Facilitator’s note: The following updates are shared by Tony Prescott, Annika Wythes, Isikeli Valemei, Luisa Senibulu, and Samita Singh of the joint UNDP-UNODC Pacific Regional Anti-Corruption Project:

Vanuatu: suspension of MPs ruled invalid. The Supreme Court in Vanuatu has ruled that the suspension of the opposition leader and 15 of his MPs from Parliament is invalid. http://www.pngloop.com/2014/12/03/suspension-vanuatu-mps-ruled-invalid/

PNG: MP Convicted of Bribery, Has 2012 Election Declared Invalid. Samarai-Murua MP Gordon Wesley’s election victory in the 2012 National Election has been declared null and void after the National Court found him guilty of bribery. http://pidp.eastwestcenter.org/pireport/2014/December/12-02-17.htm

Solomon Islands: battle for political jobs. Whilst the fight to maintain the number to form the next government mounts, party lobbyists and supporters are also up in arms for political jobs. http://www.solomonstarnews.com/news/national/5166-battle-for-political-jobs

Fiji: No Need for Constitutional Commission. Fiji's Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum has told the Fijian Parliament there is no need for a Constitutional Commission. http://pidp.eastwestcenter.org/pireport/2014/December/12-02-13.htm


Facilitator's note: The story below is shared by Charmaine Rodrigues, Constitutional Assistance and Political Dialogue Specialist, Bureau for Policy and Programme Support, UNDP New York:

Japanese mining giant threatened aid cut in bid to win Solomon Islands deal. According to a story in The Guardian, a mining giant financed by the Japanese government allegedly threatened to have foreign aid withdrawn from the Solomon Islands in a campaign to win rights to a lucrative nickel deposit. Read the story by Joshua Robertson, in The Guardian. http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/03/japanese-miner-threatened-aid-cut-in-bid-to-win-solomon-islands-nickel-deal


Facilitator's note: The following stories are shared by Jose Ibarra Angeles, Lead Facilitator, AP-INTACT:

Fiji anti-graft agency to mark International Anti-Corruption Day. The Fiji Independent Commission against Corruption (FICAC) will organize roadshows throughout the country to mark the International anti-corruption day on 9 December. FICAC’s theme for this year is: "Anti-corruption day is fostering partnerships against corruption for sustainable development in Fiji". Read the story by Shanal Sivan, Fiji Broadcasting Corporation. http://www.fbc.com.fj/fiji/24944/international-anti-corruption-day-next-tuesday-

PNG, Solomon Islands: Illegal Logging Wreaking Havoc on Impoverished Rural Communities. "Rampant unsustainable logging in the southwest Pacific Island states of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands, where the majority of land is covered in tropical rainforest, is worsening hardship, human insecurity and conflict in rural communities," says an analysis by Catherine Wilson, Inter Press Service. http://www.ipsnews.net/2014/12/illegal-logging-wreaking-havoc-on-impoverished-rural-communities/

PNG's anti-corruption boss works on without pay, budget. The head of PNG's anti-corruption squad Taskforce Sweep has no regrets about his pursuit of the country's Prime Minister, even though it has effectively cost him his job. Listen to the podcast with presenter Zoe Daniel and guest Sam Koim, Chairman, PNG Taskforce Sweep, in Radio Australia. http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/radio/program/pacific-beat/pngs-anticorruption-boss-works-on-without-pay-budget/1393943

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