Pacific Anti-Corruption Updates (20 June 2020): PNG, Fiji

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Hard knocks at University of the South Pacific Over the last few weeks the status of this venerable institution has become imperilled by claims and counter-claims of corruption and infighting at the most senior levels. 

  

Pacific leadership in spotlight as pressure rises over USP impasse Barely two months into his new role, he alleged abuse of office and serious mismanagement by his predecessor and the council’s leadership group led by pro-Chancellor Winston Thompson. 

  

  

PNG:  

How to spend K320m to support PNG agriculture, households and businesses National Research Institute (NRI) analysis shows that corruption in the public sector is a significant constraint to the performance of MSMEs. Hence, how the funds are channelled will be critical. 

   

Metals authority probes Perth Mint over gold sourcing claims The body that oversees London’s $5tn gold market is investigating allegations that the Perth Mint, one of the industry’s biggest refiners, processed tainted metal from small-scale miners in Papua New Guinea. 

  

 

FIJI:  

USP Senior Librarian interviewed and released for allegedly breaching COVID-19 restrictions Tikoduadua says her desire for good governance, transparency, accountability and to uphold and cherish academic freedom is renowned and well respected. He says they deplore Police for using COVID-19 social distancing restrictions to harass and intimidate USP staff and students. 

  

FICAC Appeals Acquittal of Vasu, Kunatuba Vasu and Kunatuba had faced corruption related charges  

  

Nine MPs implicated in alleged corrupt practices Nine Members of Parliament have been implicated in alleged corrupt practices relating to travel and accommodation allowances. 

 

 

 

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

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

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