Pacific

Islands

Monthly

Vol. 59 No. 12

Voice Of The Pacific

December, ’BB

Cover Story 16

For the first time, the readers of Pacific Islands Monthly have been given the opportunity of choosing their Pacific Leader of the Year. They have responded by ‘electing’ Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister, Rabbie Nama liu, citing his devotion to his country, his intellectual strengths . . . and, we suspect, the very contrast to PNG’s previous leaders, who appear to have judged policy as less electorally attractive than politicking. Frank Senge profiles the man and his political biography.

Cover Photograph: Oliver Strewe/Wildlight

ISLANDERS "ACCIDENTAL VICTIMS" IN NZ MINISTER'S FALL 9 Richard Prebble’s dismissal from Cabinet angers his Polynesian supporters

Palau Chooses A New Leader 10

Few surprises as the troubled territory elects a successor to Lazarus Salii FLNKS GAINS, NATIONAL FRONT LOOMS IN NEW CALEDONIA 12 The big loser in last month’s French referendum is RPCR leader Lafleur A DEADLY LEGACY FOR AMERICA'S PACIFIC PARADISE 14 Pesticides threaten Hawaii’s green and lovely environment HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSE SPOTLIGHT TURNS ON THE PACIFIC 18 Amnesty International reports torture, execution and more MORE OF THE SAME FOR US ISLAND TERRITORIES 20 Democrates and Republicans tie in Hawaii, Guam and American Samoa GREED AND GENETICS STIR OPPOSITION IN HAWAII 22 Developers vs democracy and a new ‘Native Hawaiian’

FRINGE POLITICS AND MENTAL HEALTH: WHO LOSES? 24 Radical Maori activists blasted in New Zealand BRINGING THE WORK ETHIC TO THE ISLANDS 26 Fiji employers seek to develop the West’s economic model KEEPING THE FAITH FAR FROM HOME 28 A photo-essay report on Sydney’s thriving Tongan community

People Of Ihl 31

Plastic surgery brings new hope to isolated communities DEVELOPMENT OR DISEASE FOR PNG COFFEE? 34 Market fluctuations, politics and rust threaten a boom industry AMERICA OPENS DOORS TO ISLAND MIGRANTS 36 But as US loopholes opens, Canada restricts entry

Pacific People: The Region

Finds Its Own Voice 42

Tongan author Epeli Hau’ofa amuses md scandalises

Arts Festival On Film 45

Townsville’s arts celebration now avail ihle on video

Deputy Editor Carson Creagh Art Director Samantha Foster Editorial Adviser John Carter Contributors Robin Bromby Leonie von Hellmers John Hunter Stuart Inder Matthew McKee Rex Matthews Michael Moriarty David S North Ed Rampell David Robie Nicolas Rothwell Frank Senge Rovert Simms Rosalind Temariti

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 Hastwell Williamson Representations (08) 79 9522

Cover prices are recommended retail only Registered by Australia Post, publication No NBPI2IO Copyright Fiji Times Limited, Suva, Fiji