Pacific Anti-Corruption Updates (23 July 2016) – PNG, Cook Islands, Solomon Islands

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From the UN Pacific Regional Anti-Corruption (UN-PRAC) Project, a joint 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 Mihaela Stojkoska, Luisa Senibulu, and Samita Singh.

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PNG:

District cheque payouts on eve of PNG no-confidence vote.  A Papua New Guinea Treasury source has revealed that the government has ordered a payment of US$900,000 to each government MP at the so-called 'Alotau retreat'.

http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/309133/district-cheque-payouts-on-eve-of-png-no-confidence-vote

As pressure mounts, PM urged to clear his name.  Pressure continues to build on Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister to stand down to face fraud allegations.

http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/309013/as-pressure-mounts,-png-pm-urged-to-clear-his-name

Another former PNG leader calls for O'Neill to go.  The former Papua New Guinea Prime Minister, Sir Julius Chan, has joined the Opposition ahead of Friday's Parliamentary vote of no confidence in the Government.

http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/309057/another-former-png-leader-calls-for-o'neill-to-go

Cook Islands:

MP Teina Bishop found guilty of corruption.  Cook Islands MP Teina Bishop has been found guilty of corruption as a minister of the Crown in the High Court today.

http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/309142/cooks-mp-teina-bishop-found-guilty-of-corruption


Solomon Islands:

Former PM Says Anti-Corruption Bill Will Never Be Passed.  Former Prime Minister Sir Allan Kemakeza says the Anti-Corruption Bill will never be passed by Members of Parliament, until this country elect the right people come next election to lead Solomon Islands.

http://www.pireport.org/articles/2016/07/18/former-solomon-islands-pm-says-anti-corruption-bill-will-never-be-passed

Prosecution urged to update court on Renbell logging row case.  Prosecution will be updating the court on the status of investigation regarding an arson case at Rennell, Renbell Province when the matter returns to the court on August 1.

http://www.solomonstarnews.com/news/national/11164-prosecution-urged-to-update-court-on-renbell-logging-row-case

Mayor may face arrest.  A warrant of arrest will be issued for Honiara City Mayor Alfrence Fatai if he fails to turn up in court on July 26.

http://www.solomonstarnews.com/news/national/11186-mayor-may-face-arrest

Court to decide on trial for public servant.  The court will be handing down its ruling on a voir dire (trial within a trial) hearing conducted on the case of a public officer accused of stealing more than $ 28,000 from the Solomon Islands Government on August 2.

http://www.solomonstarnews.com/news/national/11194-court-to-decide-on-trial-for-public-servant


For more information about the UN Pacific Regional Anti-Corruption (UN-PRAC) Project, please get in touch with:

Mihaela Stojkoska, Anti-Corruption Specialist - Pacific, UNDP, mihaela.stojkoska@undp.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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