[ap-intact] INFO: Pacific Anti-Corruption Updates (7 March 2015) - Fiji, Solomon Islands, Nauru, Samoa, Tonga, PNG

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

Fiji: Public Accounts Committee summons two Ministries. Officials of the Education Ministry and Health Ministry will be summoned by the Public Accounts Committee to appear before the committee next Wednesday to explain some anomalies which have been continuing over the last few years. http://www.solomontimes.com/news/people-warned-against-fake-agents/8356

Solomon Islands: People Warned Against Fake Agents. The Solomon Islands foreign affairs ministry has issued a warning to people seeking seasonal work in New Zealand and Australia to be wary of fake recruitment agents. http://www.solomontimes.com/news/people-warned-against-fake-agents/8356

Solomons watchdog praises progress on corruption. The head of Transparency Solomon Islands says the country seems to be gaining momentum in its efforts to tackle systemic corruption in the public sector. http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/programmes/datelinepacific/audio/20169578/solomons-watchdog-praises-progress-on-corruption

Nauru: Whistleblowers being investigated. A report in Australia says child protection whistleblowers who raised the alarm about child sexual abuse, violence and self-harm on Nauru are being investigated by the Australian federal police. http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/267763/nauru-whistleblowers-being-investigated

Samoa: Method ‘fraudulent,’ ex-M.P. hit with fine. A former Member of Parliament and the Associate Minister of Trade, Muagututagata Peter Ah Him, has been fined $30,000 by the Supreme Court for presenting a false document and fraud. http://www.samoaobserver.ws/home/headlines/13077-method-fraudulent-ex-mp-hit-with-fine

Tonga: Works towards fisheries agreement implementation. Tonga says it hopes a workshop on Port State Measures will help them combat illegal fishing in their waters. http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/267764/tonga-works-towards-fisheries-agreement-implementation

PNG: NGO holds birthday bash over massive fraud case. A Papua New Guinea's anti-corruption NGO has hosted a so-called "Birthday Bash" to mark the anniversary of non-action over a report into a series of major fraud cases. http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/programmes/datelinepacific/audio/20169721/png-ngo-holds-birthday-bash-over-massive-fraud-case

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