Pacific Anti-Corruption Updates (14 May 2016)

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From the UN Pacific Regional Anti-Corruption (UN-PRAC) Project, a joint four-year initiative of the United Nations Development Programme and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, with support from the Australian Government. Updates shared by Annika Wythes, Luisa Senibulu, Samita Singh, and Mihaela Stojkoska.


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Vanuatu:

Civil Society Groups Attend Anti-Corruption Workshop.  “We will continue to work in support of government policies that support transparency and accountability” stated the Executive Officer of Transparency International Vanuatu at the opening address of the CSO Anti-Corruption Workshop held in Port Vila at the Moorings Outrigger conference room this morning.

Vanuatu continues to stand up to corruption.  Senior Government Officials met in the capital, Port Vila, to discuss recent anti-corruption measures taken by Vanuatu and efforts that could be taken to further strengthen measures, including having a National Anti-Corruption Policy.

Anti-Corruption Day observed in Vanuatu.  The Vanuatu Government in partnership with Transparency International Vanuatu (TIV) hosted this year’s International Anti-Corruption Day (scheduled to be held on the 9th of December 2015, but postponed to this year) down at the Port Vila Seafront.

Foreign lawyers for conspiracy case in Vanuatu.  Two lawyers from Australia have been engaged by the defense team representing 11 of the jailed politicians facing charges of conspiracy to defeat the course of justice.


Solomon Islands:

Opposition and Independent groups dismiss PMO blame on Anti-Corruption Bill.  The Opposition Office and Independent Group clarified its stand on the Anti-Corruption Bill 2016, denying a government report that they are to blame for the bill’s failure to make it into Parliament.

Civil Society Supports Anti-Corruption Efforts.  Thirty-six local civil society leaders and Government officials met in the capital, Honiara on Monday to learn about transparency and accountability, as well as the Government’s efforts to prevent and fight corruption.

Adequate resources needed in fight against corruption.  The country'sestablished integrity institutions require adequate resources to bolster its fight against corruption.

Solomon Islanders undertake investigator training.  Forty-three Solomon Islanders undertook a rigorous training programme on conducting investigations into alleged corrupt activities or misconduct over the last two weeks.

Solomons to Reopen Nickel Prospecting License Process.  The Solomon Islands government says it will soon seek expressions of interest for prospecting rights to high grade nickel deposits in Isabel Province.


PNG:

Text service for corruption proves effective.  A service in Papua New Guinea that allows finance ministry staff to anonymously report cases of corruption via text message is proving effective.

PNG's Opposition Leader Says Government behind His Suspension.  Papua New Guinea's suspended opposition leader, Don Polye, says he believes his removal from parliament has been politically motivated.

PNG Court refuses Attorney General joined party application.  Papua New Guinea Attorney General‟s application to be joined a party in a proceeding by National Fraud boss Chief Superintendent Matthew Damaru was refused by the National court Tuesday.

PNG fraud squad doesn't expect fraud case to be vetted.  The head of Papua New Guinea's police fraud squad says he doesn't expect to have investigation files for a major fraud case vetted by the police commission.

PNG judge files for case against him to be dropped.  A Papua New Guinea Supreme Court judge who was arrested last month has filed a submission for his case to be dismissed.

PNG Student Boycott Vote Due Tomorrow.  A Papua New Guinea student leader Hercules Jim says a formal vote on the boycott of classes at the country's national university is expected.


Samoa:

Samoa denies fraudsters' bid to leave.  A Samoan court won't allow a business couple convicted of fraud charges to leave the country saying there's a high chance they will not return


Cook Islands:

Former Cooks Minister Says Panama Papers Leak Not A Concern.  A former Government minister and opposition leader in the Cook Islands says the Panama Papers leaks don't damage his country's reputation.

For more information about the UN-PRAC Project, please get in touch with:
Annika Wythes, Anti-Corruption Adviser - Pacific, UNODC, annika.wythes@unodc.org
Luisa Senibulu, Governance Programme Associate, UNDP/UNODC, luisa.senibulu@undp.org
Samita Singh, Programme Assistant - Anti-Corruption, UNDP/UNODC, samita.singh@undp.org

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