[ap-intact] INFO: Pacific Anti-Corruption Updates (7 Sept 2015) - Vanuatu, Tuvalu, PNG, Fiji

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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.]

Vanuatu:

Vanuatu finance minister Willie Jimmy pleads guilty to charges of bribery in trial implicating 18 MPs. A case before Vanuatu's Supreme Court implicating 18 of the nation's MPs in bribery takes a dramatic twist as finance minister Willie Jimmy enters a guilty plea on two counts. http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/2015-09-02/vanuatu-finance-minister-willie-jimmy-pleads-guilty-to-charges-of-bribery-in-trial-implicating-18-mp/1488660

Vanuatu Minister Admits Breaching Leadership Code. Vanuatu's Minister of Finance, Willie Jimmy, has pleaded guilty to breaching the Leadership Code at a court hearing in Port Vila. http://pidp.eastwestcenter.org/pireport/2015/September/09-04-07.htm

Tuvalu:

New Members of Parliament in Tuvalu undergo Induction Seminar. Newly elected Members of Parliament participated in a week long Induction Seminar, including sessions on UN conventions that Tuvalu has ratified, such as UNCAC. http://www.fj.undp.org/content/fiji/en/home/presscenter/pressreleases/2015/08/27/new-members-of-parliament-in-tuvalu-undergo-induction-seminar.html

PNG:

Auditor general office to be probed. The Papua New Guinea Parliamentary Committee on Public Sector Reform and Service Delivery is to enquire into the affairs of the Office of the Auditor-General. http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/283028/png-auditor-general-office-to-be-probed

Former PNG Opposition leader Namah to face Tribunal. Vanimo Green MP Belden Namah has been referred by the Public Prosecutor to face a leadership tribunal in relation to numerous allegations of misconduct in office.  http://pidp.eastwestcenter.org/pireport/2015/August/08-28-13.htm

Deal To Restore Police Accountability And Integrity. The Police and Ombudsman Commission have signed an agreement in Port Moresby yesterday to bring back confidence, integrity and accountability to the police force. http://pidp.eastwestcenter.org/pireport/2015/September/09-03-12.htm

Fiji:

Rise in fraud cases alarming. Fiji police are pleading with members of the public to be extra careful when it comes to matters pertaining to money. http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=320155

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