Pacific Anti-Corruption Updates (9 January 2021): Fiji, PNG, Vanuatu

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FIJI

Police Arrest Man For Driving Test Impersonation.  The Land Transport Authority of Fiji (LTA) apprehended and handed a man over to the Fiji Police Force…for impersonating a defensive driving test applicant. Mr Simpson said that the Authority does not tolerate corruption from anyone – whether it is LTA employees, customers, or other stakeholders.

https://fijisun.com.fj/2021/01/07/police-arrest-man-for-driving-test-impersonation/

Audit points out potential window for bribery.  The auditor-general has found the Department of Environment has no policy or framework to prevent and detect actual, potential and perceived conflict of interest that could expose staff members to the risk of bribery from developers “who may find the EIA (environmental impact assessment) process a hindrance to their projects”.

https://www.fijitimes.com/audit-points-out-potential-window-for-bribery/

5 Ways The Pacific Region Can Recover With Integrity in 2021.  During the upcoming Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting, key civil society groups are calling upon Pacific leaders to do five things. 1) Prioritise the strengthening of national governance and integrity systems; 2) Review progress on the Teieniwa Vision and agree on key steps to strengthen action in 2021 for greater government transparency and accountability; 3) Urgently establish inclusive national processes for auditing state of emergency finances and procurement to date; 4) Establish and adequately resource key oversight mechanisms; 5) Ensure freedom of expression, and press freedom across the region.

https://fijisun.com.fj/2020/12/09/5-ways-the-pacific-region-can-recover-with-integrity-in-2021/

 

PNG

ICAC is here to combat corruption in PNG, says PM Marape.  PNG Prime Minister James Marape, MP, says the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) was there to ensure there was an avenue for whistle blowers to report corrupt practices that they found happening in the dealings of politicians, public servants and businesses including contractors.

https://news.pngfacts.com/2020/12/icac-is-here-to-combat-corruption-in.html

Farewell Sir Mek, The Campaigner Against Systemic and Systematic Corruption in PNG.  The Post Courier joins the Nation in mourning Sir Mek, the former Prime Minister who was affectionately known for campaigning against corruption in PNG.

https://postcourier.com.pg/farewell-sir-mek-the-campaigner-against-systemic-and-systematic-corruption-in-png/

 

VANUATU

Former Vanuatu prime minister found guilty of perjury.  Vanuatu's former prime minister, Charlot Salwai, has been found guilty of perjury… Salwai and two other former MPs were last week acquitted of 10 other bribery and corruption charges related to the appointments.

https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/433008/former-vanuatu-prime-minister-found-guilty-of-perjury

 

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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