Pacific Anti-Corruption Updates (11 May 2019): Solomon Islands, PNG, Samoa, Fiji

SOLOMON ISLANDS:

Solomon Islands new govt prioritises mining reforms. Solomon Islands prime minister Manasseh Sogavare says his new government is prioritising productive sector reforms including new mining legislation, after a recent incident revealed the inadequacies of the current mining law when it comes to holding mining companies accountable.

https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/388745/solomon-islands-new-govt-prioritises-mining-reforms

 

PAPUA NEW GUINEA:

Papua New Guinea leader sees off rebellion by MPs despite mass defections. Despite the resignation of dozens of ministers and accusations of corruption, Peter O’Neill appears to have outmaneuvered the opposition.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/may/08/papua-new-guinea-leader-sees-off-rebellion-by-mps-despite-mass-defections

Papua New Guinea politics in chaos as MPs table no-confidence motion in PM. Papua New Guinea has lurched into a new political crisis, after a spate of high-profile resignations by government ministers led to MPs calling a vote of no confidence in the prime minister, Peter O’Neill, which the PM managed to delay. A lack of consultation by O’Neill over a $16bn gas deal is among the opposition’s complaints.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/may/07/papua-new-guinea-politics-in-chaos-as-mps-table-no-confidence-motion-in-pm

 

SAMOA:

Cryptocurrency under investigation in Samoa denies wrongdoing. A cryptocurrency company being investigated by Samoan authorities for alleged money laundering is denying it has any official presence in the country.

https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/388836/cryptocurrency-under-investigation-in-samoa-denies-wrongdoing

 

FIJI:

Former FICAC officer found guilty of corruption related offences. A former FICAC Assistant Complaints Officer was sentenced to 4 years 8 months imprisonment in the Lautoka Magistrate’s Court today after he was found guilty of corruption related offences.

http://fijivillage.com/news/Former-FICAC-officer-found-guilty-of-corruption-related-offences-rs9k52/

Former Post Master of Post Fiji accused of stealing cash amounting to $17, 972.55. A former Post Master with Post Fiji was produced in the Sigatoka Magistrates Court charged with corruption related offences.

http://fijivillage.com/news/-Former-Post-Master-of-Post-Fiji-accused-of-stealing-cash-amounting-to-17-97255-s9r2k5

 

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