Pacific Anti-Corruption Updates (17 Feb 2018): Fiji, PNG, Solomon Islands

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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:

Commission Launches Anti-corruption Resource Manual With Teachers in North.  The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) launched the pilot phase of the National Anti-Corruption Curriculum in partnership with the Ministry of Education for Northern Division teachers.

http://fijisun.com.fj/2018/02/13/commission-launches-anti-corruption-resource-manual-with-teachers-in-north/

Investment Advisors Undergo Training on Anti-Corruption.  Investment Fiji is working with the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) to ensure its investment, trade and export advisors are fully aware of the anti-corruption laws and evolving nature of corrupt practices.

http://fijisun.com.fj/2018/02/09/investment-advisors-undergo-training-on-anti-corruption/

Former CEO and a senior manager of Post Fiji Limited charged by FICAC.  FICAC has charged the former CEO of Post Fiji Limited and a senior manager of the company with corruption-related offences.

http://fijivillage.com/news-feature/Former-CEO-and-a-senior-manager-of-Post-Fiji-Limited-charged-by-FICAC-259ksr

Anti-Graft Body's Appeal Case On Reddy Tomorrow.  The Minister for Waterways, Mahendra Reddy, will appear in the High Court in Suva for his appeal case filed by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC).

http://fijisun.com.fj/2018/02/14/anti-graft-bodys-appeal-case-on-reddy-tomorrow/

Vote forgerer suspended.  A courier deliveryman alleged to have forged a postal ballot was handed down a suspended sentence by the Suva Magistrates Court.

http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=434614

PAPUA NEW GUINEA:

UN rights boss slams Papua New Guinea.  A United Nations human rights chief has urged Papua New Guinea to do more to stamp out corruption ahead of Port Moresby hosting the APEC summit this year.

https://www.sbs.com.au/news/un-rights-boss-slams-papua-new-guinea

PNG urged to combat corruption and strengthen rule of law.  UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein called on the Government of Papua New Guinea to take firm measures to combat corruption, build good governance and strengthen the rule of law.

http://www.looppng.com/community/png-urged-combat-corruption-and-strengthen-rule-law-73251

UN human rights chief laments PNG land grab problem.  Mr Zeid said corruption remains rife in PNG, affecting the right to land of its citizens. His spokesperson, Ravina Shamdasani, conveyed this concern in an interview with UN Radio.

https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/350194/un-human-rights-chief-laments-png-land-grab-problem

Controversial long-serving PNG judge resigns.  Sir Bernard was arrested by anti-fraud police in 2016 and charged with judicial corruption.

https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/350293/controversial-long-serving-png-judge-resigns

Fraud squad arrests Gulf man.  A Gulf Province man has been arrested over the misappropriation of over K200,000 belonging to a local firm.

http://www.looppng.com/png-news/fraud-squad-arrests-gulf-man-73316

Former Works secretary arrested.  A former Department of Works and Implementation secretary has been charged with one count of misappropriating over K9 million.

http://www.looppng.com/png-news/former-works-secretary-arrested-73317

SOLOMON ISLANDS:

CEO of the Indigenous Chamber of Commerce & Trade Solomon Islands reiterates call to exclude foreigners from board membership.  Charles Dausabeaclaimed the fall in the interest paid to Solomon Islands National Provident Fund (SINPF) members for the previous years demonstrate corruption at the board level.

http://www.solomonstarnews.com/index.php/news/national/item/20041-dausabea-reiterates-call-to-remove-foreign-membership

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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