[ap-intact] INFO: Pacific Anti-Corruption Updates (20 Feb 2015) - Pacific youth, Fiji, Samoa, Solomon Islands, PNG

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

Pacific youth advocate against corruption. Over 40 youth representatives from 15 Pacific Islands countries will gather in Nadi, Fiji, on Sunday [22 Feb] for the "Pacific Youth Forum Against Corruption" to discuss ways to address corruption in the region. http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/266471/pacific-youth-advocate-against-corruption

Fiji: I won't tolerate corruption, says Bainimarama. Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama says he will not tolerate any corruption whatsoever at the national level nor at the provincial and district levels. http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=295598

Fiji: FRCA confiscates 3 cartons of white substance. The Fiji Revenue and Customs Authority has confiscated three cartons of white substance suspected to be testosterone enanthate, which is an anabolic androgenic steroid. http://fijivillage.com/news/FRCA-confiscates-3-cartons-of-white-substance-srk529/

Fiji: PM To Reform Ministry Of iTaukei Affairs. The reform of the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs will begin soon as demand for higher standards of good governance and strategic planning extends to indigenous institutions just like any other, says Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama. http://pidp.eastwestcenter.org/pireport/2015/February/02-18-11.htm

Samoa: Claims on Citizenship Bill unfounded, says Fonotoe. Deputy Prime Minister, Fonotoe Pierre Lauofo yesterday dismissed fears of Samoan citizenship being sold to foreign investors saying: “such hearsay (upu faalele) that citizenship will be sold are unfounded comments made to frighten (people).” http://www.samoaobserver.ws/home/headlines/12993-claims-on-citizenship-bill-unfounded-says-fonotoe

Solomon Islands: Transparency Solomon Islands investigates community development fund misuse. Transparency Solomon Islands (TSI) is embarking on a nationwide audit of Constituency Development Funds (CDF) as it seeks to answer the question it hears most often: where does all the money go? http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/radio/program/pacific-beat/transparency-solomon-islands-investigates-community-development-fund-misuse/1415531

Solomon Islands: Money scam victims query. Victims of the RHA Consultancy, a money laundering scheme illegally operated by a local Robert Henry Alufurai have questioned the investigation process. http://www.solomonstarnews.com/news/national/6024-money-scam-victims-query

PNG: Landowners look ahead after SABL order. Frustration is building among customary landowners in Papua New Guinea after the latest delay to the cancellation of the controversial Special Agricultural and Business Leases, or SABLs. http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/programmes/datelinepacific/audio/20167884/png-landowners-look-ahead-after-sabl-order

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