Pacific Anti-Corruption Updates (21 September 2019): PNG, Fiji, Solomon Islands

PNG:

Make PNG’s National Goals relevant again.  The [National Goals and Directive Principles] are not a panacea for institutional challenges like corruption. However, Professor Eric Uslaner, author of The historical roots of corruption, has noted the transformative effects of civic education in curbing the abuse of power in modern societies.

https://www.devpolicy.org/make-pngs-national-goals-relevant-again-20190918/

PM pledges economic independence for PNG.  “[Mr. Marape] admitted that PNG still has its short comings as a nation stating that issues such as uneven distribution of resources, lack of quality development, under performance of resources, squandering of resources through corruption and complacency, nonfunctional government systems and many more are prevalent.”

https://postcourier.com.pg/pm-pledges-economic-independence-for-png/

 

FIJI:

Former senior correction officers’ trial to begin next month.  Former Fiji Corrections Commissioner Ifereimi Vasu and acting Deputy Commissioner, Peniasi Kunatuba will now stand for a four-week trial next month after being charged by the Fiji Independent Commission against Corruption for abuse of office.

https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/court/former-senior-correction-officers-trial-to-begin-next-month/

Digitization can eradicate black economy: Das.  FRCS Chief Executive Visvanath Das says unrecorded and untaxed economic activity will continue until the authorities digitally capture all financial transactions.

https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/digitization-can-eradicate-black-economy-das/

 

SOLOMON ISLANDS:

US to review reasons for Solomon Islands’ diplomatic switch.  “Actions and policies that foster corruption, subvert democratic institutions, and undermine national sovereignty are incompatible with the vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific as well antiethical to the values the United States and its partners share with the Pacific Islands nations.”

http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aipl/201909180006.aspx

 

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

Marine Destrez, Anti-Corruption Specialist – Pacific a.i., UNDP, marine.destrez@undp.org

Maria Lee, Peace & Development Administrative Assistant, UNDP/UNODC, maria.lee@undp.org