Pacific Anti-Corruption Updates (23 March 2019): PNG, Fiji, Solomon Islands

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PNG:

TIPNG working to better inform communities for better transparency. Transparency International PNG has completed a workshop in West New Britain on how to monitor and report governance issues more effectively.

https://postcourier.com.pg/tipng-working-better-inform-communities-better-transparency/

 

FIJI:

Former staff of Fiji Forest Industries faces corruption-related charges. Former Sales and Marketing Officers Manwar Buksh and Salend Chetty were each charged with one count of abuse of office obtaining a financial advantage and corrupt transactions with agents.

https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/court/former-staff-of-fiji-forest-industries-faces-corruption-related-charges/

 

SOLOMON ISLANDS:

SICCI hosts AGM, elects new Board. The Solomon Islands Chamber Commerce and Industry (SICCI) now has a new Board that will lead its mandate for the next twelve (12) months. Advocating on core business concerns such as tax reform, corruption, land reform, developing new sectors; and more broadly for a more conducive environment for business, SICCI ensures that it brings fully-informed perspectives based on the collective wisdom of its membership.

http://www.solomonstarnews.com/index.php/news/business/item/21454-sicci-hosts-agm-elects-new-board

Police Continues Elections Awareness. The Maoa and Bina Harbour communities in West Kwaio, Malaita Province have assured the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) that they will work together with police during the upcoming National General Election (NGE) to prevent crime in their communities, including any bribery attempts by candidates.

https://www.solomontimes.com/news/police-continues-elections-awareness/8928

Sogavare: we leave behind $188M plus cash reserves. The Democratic Coalition for Change Government (DCCG) had ended its term in office with more than $188million in cash reserves for working capital for the new government, as he hits out criticisms against the DCCG as being corrupt.

http://www.solomonstarnews.com/index.php/news/national/item/21448-sogavare-we-leave-behind-188m-plus-cash-reserves

Oil spill in the Solomon Islands reveals corrupt mining practices.  The Prime Minister called for an investigation into why mining was allowed on Rennell Island to begin with and is considering halting their activities for the time being.  This isn’t the first time a mining company operating in the Solomon Islands has been accused of impropriety.

https://www.earth.com/news/oil-spill-solomon-islands/#.XJQzzCgza70

 

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

Annika Wythes, Regional Anti-Corruption Adviser, UNODC, annika.wythes@un.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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