In This Issue

SOMARE WINS THROUGH —Papua New Guinea’s latest political upheaval has resulted in a new, “mixed-grill”, coalition government still presided over by Prime Minister Michael Somare. Nicholas Thornton reports on page 10

Fiji Cyclones: Crisis For Insurers The

unremitting series of cyclones which have battered Fiji in recent times have also battered the fortunes of those who write the country’s insurance business. Garry Barker looks at the situation in which Fiji’s insurers are seriously considering whether they can continue to do business there. 14 KIRIBATI AND THE RUSSIANS President leremia Tabai of Kiribati says that his country’s proposed deal on fisheries with the Soviet Union is “purely commer cial”, and nobody questions this claim. But others would prefer that island countries did deals with all major fishing nations, rather than a bilateral one of this kind with Russia. 16

Indonesian General On Irian Jaya Indone

sia's General Khapi has made a speech in Bandung in which he hinted at a new crackdown on supporters of the outlawed OPM Melanesian freedom movement. 1 9 AUSTRALIAN TV CHANNEL IN THE ISLANDS A representative of Australia’s Channel Nine TV network has been in the islands trying to interest governments in the introduction of TV services. 31 AIR MELANESIAE IS 25 In an interview with Bob Paul, founder of New Hebrides Airways, predecessor of Vanuatu’s domestic carrier Air Melanesiae, Shirley Fenton Huie traces the remarkable history of the airline, born on June 1, 1960. 44

Tahiti Stirs To Kanaks’ Plight Oscar

Temaru, mayor of the Tahitian municipality of Faaa, and head of a small pro-independence party, has made a plea for support from French Polynesians for the battles of the Kanaks of New Caledonia. 52