Pacific Anti-Corruption Updates (10 Feb 2018): Fiji, PNG, Solomon Islands, Samoa

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These updates are provided by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Regional Anti-Corruption Project for Southeast Asia, and the joint UNODC - United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Pacific Regional Anti-Corruption (UN-PRAC) Project, with support of the Australian Government.

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FIJI:

Key trends from complaints to Fiji's Independent Commission Against Corruption.  FICAC now receives over 10,000 complaints each year about a range of issues from people across the country concerned about corruption, mismanagement, and abuse of power.

http://devpolicy.org/key-trends-from-complaints-to-fijis-independent-commission-against-corruption-20180131/

Man remanded for allegedly dishonestly obtaining over $23,000.  A man who allegedly obtained more than $23,000 under the Help for Home's initiative appeared in the Suva Magistrates court.

http://www.fbc.com.fj/fiji/59569/man-remanded-for-allegedly-dishonestly-obtaining-over-23,000

Defence Counsel Given Time To Respond To Written Statement.  Chand is charged with one count of abuse of office.

http://fijisun.com.fj/2018/02/07/defence-counsel-given-time-to-respond-to-written-statement/

PAPUA NEW GUINEA:

PNG opposition contempt case in court.  The Post Courier reported the charges relate to a warrant of arrest for the prime minister over allegations of corruption.

https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/349765/png-opposition-contempt-case-in-court

PNG Catholic Church furious over alleged land fraud.  The apparently fraudulent sale came after the church obtained a restraining order when the logging company arrived unannounced on the site in November and set about establishing a camp

https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/349438/png-catholic-church-furious-over-alleged-land-fraud

SOLOMON ISLANDS:

Where to now for anti-corruption reform in Solomon Islands? (opinion)  "There are reasons to be concerned about these political maneuvers. In particular, they highlight the significant difficulties faced by those seeking to challenge political corruption, which has been linked to organized crime and the decimation of the country's natural resources."

http://devpolicy.org/where-to-now-anti-corruption-reform-solomon-islands-20180202/

Police Credit Union probe still ongoing.  Police investigation into the alleged misuse of the Police Credit Union is progressing well.

http://www.solomonstarnews.com/index.php/news/national/item/19971-police-credit-union-probe-still-ongoing

SAMOA:

Wouldn't it just be wonderful if the "millions" wasted through corruption could be used to raise the minimum wage instead? (opinion) "If the government does its job in creating an enabling environment for the private sector to flourish, we wouldn't be having this conversation today."

http://sobserver.ws/en/03_02_2018/editorial/29541/Wouldn%E2%80%99t-it-just-be-wonderful-if-the-%E2%80%9Cmillions%E2%80%9D-wasted-through-corruption-could-be-used-to-raise-the-minimum-wage-instead.htm

To know more about the UN Pacific Regional Anti-Corruption Project please contact the team members:

Maria Adomeit, Regional Anti-Corruption Adviser, UNODC, maria.adomeit@unodc.org

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

Maria Lee, Peace & Development Administrative Assistant, UNDP/UNODC, maria.lee@undp.org

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