Pacific

Islands

Monthly

Vol 59 No 11

Voice Of The Pacific

November, ’BB

Cover Story i 6

Fiji’s interim government is faced with the difficulties of ‘selling’ a revised constitution that, critics argue, does little to safeguard the interests of all Fijians ... and at the same time ensuring its acceptance in the knowledge that rejection could see the reinstatement of a military government. That course would spell economic hardship: but how is Fiji to enshrine ethnic Fijian supremacy within a democracy? Fiji Times editor Vijendra Kumar looks at Fiji’s draft constitution.

Cover Photograph: Matthew Mckee/Sydney Freelance

Irian Java/Png Border Dispute Worsens 9

An exclusive report on skirmishes that could become a full-scale war NATIONAL POLL COULD RESOLVE PALAU'S COMPACT DEADLOCK 10 How the US elections could provide a long-awaited solution VICTORY OR APARTHEID? NZ DIVIDED OVER FISHING LAW 12 Maori activists claim a win, but some Kiwis fear for their livelihoods SOPE BACK IN PARLIAMENT . . . BUT FOR HOW LONG? 14 The rebel MP has returned, but Uni’s Vanua’aku Pati is unconcerned WHY PNG'S DEFENCE FORCE CAN'T FIGHT 15 Well trained but poorly equipped, could it handle conflict?

POWER TO THE PEOPLE THE PEOPLE OF KANAKY 18 A controversial new Him has caused a stir in Paris and Noumea HOT AND COLD IN ISLANDS ELECTIONS 21 Some of the USA’s most exciting and dullest polls held this month FUNAFUTI CELEBRATES A DECADE OF SELF-DETERMINATION 22 7 uvaluans gather to acknowledge 10 years of progress SPECIAL REPORT: FINANCE, BANKING AND INSURANCE 24 High costs, poor returns mean the region’s money markets are slow to grow COUNTRY HOSPITALITY WELCOMES CANADIANS TO FIJI 30 A world away from Suva, tradition holds sway in Nasau village PEACE TODAY, BUT A LEGACY OF WAR 32 New Georgia Island remembers its battlefield history "HASSLE-FREE" INVESTMENT A PRIORITY FOR RECOVERY 35 Fiji looks to the region for industry and investors

Rapanui: A Century With Chile 43

Easter Island has little reason to celebrate its centenary

Pacific People: Tonga's Cul

Tured Crown Prince 48

Heir to the throne Tupouto’a brings a touch of style to Nukualofa

Where The Written Word

Reigns 49

In the still of the tropical night, Tongans read and write

Deputy Editor Carson Creagh Art Director Samantha Foster Editorial Adviser John Carter Contributors Robin Bromby David Haden John Hunter Stuart Inder Vijendra Kumar Rex Matthews Grant McCall Diana McManus David S North Ed Rampelt Phyllis Reeve David Robie Nicolas Rothwell Frank Senge

Publisher and Managing Editor Geoffrey Hussey

Advertising Sales Sydney & Melbourne Warren Grey (02) 288 3521 Fergus Maclagan (02) 412 3918; Brisbane Robert Walker (07) 3710533 Adelaide - Hastwelt Williamson Representations (08)799522

Cover pnces are recommended retart only Registered toy Australia Post, pubfcation No NBPI2tO Copyright Frj» Times l imited Suva Fiji