[ap-intact] INFO: Pacific Anti-Corruption Updates (29 May 2015) – Solomon Islands, Fiji, 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 sharing these updates.]

Solomon Islands: Government takes first step against corruption. The Solomon Islands government says it is taking the first step this week towards honoring its election promise to fight corruption in the country. http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/274620/solomons-government-takes-first-step-against-corruption

Solomon Islands: DCC Closer to Establishing Anti-Corruption Body. The Democratic Coalition for Change (DCC) Government says it is moving closer to establishing the country’s own independent anti-corruption body. http://www.sibconline.com.sb/d-c-c-closer-to-establish-anti-corruption-body/

Solomon Islands: Call to sack officials over bauxite export. A concerned Rennell landowner has called on Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare to remove Members of Parliament and senior government officers who have given the nod to PT Mega Bingtang Borneo Ltd to export the stockpile of bauxite out of country. http://www.solomonstarnews.com/news/national/7111-call-to-sack-officials-over-bauxite-export

Solomon Islands: Kauha-Why I was removed. The outgoing Permanent Secretary (PS) for Mines, Jeffery Kauha said his removal from office was influenced by certain Minister within the Cabinet. http://www.solomonstarnews.com/news/national/7132-kauha-why-i-was-removed

Solomon Islands: concern over misuse of office. The recent appearance of the Leadership Code Commission (LCC) before the Members of Parliament (MP) induction program has highlighted the common practise by some public service officers and MPs who abuse their official duty for personal gain. http://www.solomonstarnews.com/news/national/7108-concern-over-misuse-of-office

Fiji: Former ASP convicted of a charge of Asking for a Bribe. A former Assistant Superintendent of Police, Rehana Sen has been convicted of a charge of Asking for a Bribe by the Suva Magistrates Court. http://fijivillage.com/news/Former-ASP-convicted-of-a-charge-of-Asking-for-a-Bribe-952skr/

PNG: MP challenges Leadership Tribunal decision. A suspended Papua New Guinea MP, Ronnie Knight, has obtained an interim stay order against a Leadership Tribunal decision recommending he be dismissed from office. http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/274692/png-mp-challenges-leadership-tribunal-decision

Evidence emerging of Pacific methamphetamine use, says UNODC. A new report from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime has revealed record seizures and rising use of methamphetamine in the Asia Pacific region. http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/radio/program/pacific-beat/evidence-emerging-of-pacific-methamphetamine-use-says-unodc/1452464

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