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Melanesia in Review: Issues and Events, 2005
Reviews of the Region and West Military Forces and its commander, Papua are not included in this issue. Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama. Both the sdl and the mv parties Fiji were formed after the 2000 political The repercussions of the political crisis. The sdl was formed by Qarase crisis caused by George Speight’s during his term as interim prime min- attempted coup of May 2000 still had ister, and the mv was first formed in overwhelming impacts on sociopoliti- Vanua Levu (Fiji’s second biggest cal and economic arrangements in Fiji island) by chiefs and people who sup- throughout 2005. In fact the tasks of ported the Fijian cause advocated by both the interim government since the coup leader Speight. Qarase’s solution crisis of 19 May 2000 and the elected to political instability centered on a government after the general election reconciliation process, whereby an in 2001 have been difficult and chal- independent unity commission would lenging. Not only did these govern- be established through legislation to ments have to deal with restoring the offer solutions for the causes of the economy, but more important, they 2000 crisis. On the other hand, Com- also had to initiate solutions to mini- modore Bainimarama strongly advo- mize, or better still, totally eradicate cated applying the rule of law to all Fiji’s coup culture. Diverse socio- offenders. By January 2005, Baini- political and economic interests had marama had issued warnings against to be negotiated and harnessed for the perpetrators of the 2000 coup, the sake of political stability and whom he believed were still not being economic growth. These were top dealt with by the law. He warned, priorities, given the fact that all states “For the financiers and the supporters are now part of a global political of the rebels . . . I am anything but economy in which there is little an officer and a gentleman” (The control over changing economic Review, Jan 2005, 1–5). circumstances. Political instability as Fiji’s continuing political tensions, experienced in Fiji after 1987, when strongly expressed in 2005, are multi- the first two coups occurred, has layered. Beneath the much-explained inevitably complicated the chances interethnic conflict, which emerged as of economic development. part of Fiji’s colonial legacy, are other The year 2005 was greeted in Fiji struggles that have evolved from time with ongoing political dilemmas, immemorial and intensified through which were expressed through a con- modern competitions for power. The tinuous war of words between the ongoing conflict between government Soqosoqo Duavata ni Lewenivanua/ and the military highlighted both Matanitu Vanua (sdl/mv) coalition modern and traditional conflicts government of Prime Minister Laise- expressed through state institutions. nia Qarase and the Republic of Fiji Bainimarama’s consistent stand on
396 political reviews • melanesia 397 national security issues and the need that, if passed, the bill would endorse to bring the 2000 coup perpetrators two sets of laws in Fiji: the introduced to justice became the center of contro- rule of law and a semblance of cus- versy between the military and the tomary law. The latter, based on sdl/mv government, which has its restorative justice, would cater mostly power base in a number of coup- for some groups of indigenous Fijians. prone vanua (land-based traditional Prime Minister Qarase explained: political entities). Qarase’s belief in “The bill is an approach to justice reconciliation as a long-term solution adopted in other nations that have to Fiji’s political instability resulted in been driven and damaged by internal a Reconciliation, Tolerance and Unity strife. It is undeniable that large num- Bill, which is currently before Parlia- bers of active sympathizers of that ment. The bill promotes reconciliation upheaval felt they were standing for through the principles of restorative indigenous rights. But their actions justice, where the “wrong” and the were against the law. What they did “wronged” are brought together to was related to the grievances, insecu- discuss and resolve their problems. rities and fears of the Fijian people, Based partially on the Fijian custom- born out of a colonial decision to ary way of veisorosorovi (traditional bring to Fiji settlers from India. Two apology), it is envisaged that in the distinct ethnic groups, with quite long-term, this process of reconcilia- different cultures and religious beliefs tion will heal wounds and perma- were thus living in our islands. Colo- nently solve problems (Durutalo nial policy largely kept them apart. 2003; FIB, July 2005, 12–14). How- . . . This polarization brought us to ever, using the traditional methods of the coups of 1987 and 2000 and to veisorosorovi to appease the wrongs the legal initiative we have launched already committed has not been to spur and complement efforts for nationally acceptable to the different accomplishing justice and reconcilia- ethnic groups in Fiji. Even before tion” (FIB, July 2005, 11). consideration of the bill in Parlia- The application of the rule of law ment, opposition intensified when a has become problematic to different few of the “chiefly perpetrators” of groups of Fijian leaders. While the the 2000 coup were released from military commander believes in equal- prison to serve their sentences extra- ity before the law and its application murally. These included former vice as a deterrent to crime, the prime president of the Republic of Fiji, Bau minister believes that wholesale appli- high chief Ratu Jope Seniloli; the Tui cation of the rule of law would ignore Cakau and high chief in the Matanitu the nature of crime committed by the of Tovata, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu; coup perpetrators. The logical conclu- and Viliame Savu, a pioneer Fijian sion of this argument would be that nationalist (Fiji Times, 5 Jan 2005, 1; the British colonizers were responsible 5 Feb 2005, 6). for the coups in 1987 and 2000. Since Different groups expressed con- Fijian involvement was only second- cerns about the bill on a number of ary, then the rule of law should be grounds. First was the appearance modified accordingly. Through recon- 398 the contemporary pacific • 18:2 (2006) ciliation, the wrong and the wronged addition, four memoranda of under- can forgive each other; the wrong standing were negotiated, along with will never re-offend, and long-lasting two bilateral agreements concerning peace can be an end result. The twist water resources management and in this argument is the belief, as coconut industry development. The argued by the prime minister, that: four memoranda, focused on health “The country won’t enjoy stability and medicine, tourism, information, and hence peace, progress and pros- and communication technology, perity unless Fijians remain on top enabled the establishment of a joint politically. That is the way it is in Fiji. trade commission, which will meet It will remain so until indigenous annually (FIB, Nov 2005, 8). India Fijians feel confident about their place has a lot to offer Fiji in the area of in a land where they are now nearly health, and a number of patients are 54 percent of the population, having sent to India for medical treatment. recovered from a minority position” Tourism development may benefit (FIB, June 2005, 8). both countries. The attempt to introduce a Recon- Recently Fiji and Nauru have ciliation, Tolerance and Unity Bill joined Tuvalu, Kiribati, and Tonga in contributed to the challenge of bring- abandoning the “One China” policy ing about economic growth in Fiji. and courting Taiwan. In mid-2005 Expiring and non-renewed land leases Taiwan’s President Chen Shui-bian contributed to increasing urban was accorded a full traditional Fijian squatter problems, while global ceremony of welcome and received economic reforms caused declining by Fiji government delegates at Fiji’s export earnings from sugar and gar- Nadi International Airport. China’s ments. Unemployment rates were ambassador to Fiji, Cai Jinbiao, slowed somewhat as mostly Fijian expressed his government’s disap- males were recruited for reconstruc- pointment with Fiji for officially tion work in Iraq and Kuwait. By recognizing the arrival of Chen Shui- April 2005, approximately 20,000 bian. Relations with China deterio- Fijians had applied for reconstruction rated further in mid-May, when Fiji work through two recruiting compa- and Papua New Guinea supported nies, Meridian Services Agency and Taiwan’s bid to join the World Health Global Risk (FIB, April 2005, 3–7). Organization (FIB, June 2005, 23–24). As part of an effort to look beyond New laws and regulations regard- Australia and New Zealand for new ing global and regional trade have trade partners and markets, a trade incited conflicts between Pacific coun- mission visited India in 2005. India tries including Fiji, Vanuatu, and offered Fiji a soft loan of f$86 mil- Papua New Guinea. Fiji responded lion and a team of technical experts to Vanuatu’s ban on Fiji’s biscuits by to overhaul the ailing sugar industry. imposing its own ban on Vanuatu The model would be the industry in kava. Vanuatu is not a member of the the Indian city of Mysore, a highly World Trade Organization, and so integrated producer of sugar, electric- avoided the rules disallowing such ity, ethanol, and organic fertilizers. In trade bans. However, the two coun- political reviews • melanesia 399 tries discussed lifting their bans dur- from Mobi and Nabila villages in the ing the sixteenth meeting of the Mela- district of Nadi on the western side nesian Spearhead Group in Goroko, of Viti Levu threatened to disrupt Papua New Guinea, in 2005. Also the construction of the Marriott Fiji discussed at the meeting was Fiji’s Resort because of damage to their tra- earlier ban on imports of Ox & Palm ditional qoliqoli. The Fijian Resource corned beef after a negative report Owners Group, led by retired politi- about the processing plant in Papua cian and western Fijian chief Ratu New Guinea (FIB, Sept 2005, 32–33). Osea Gavidi, has been vocal in high- Fiji has maximized its benefits from lighting these concerns. On the other tourism through innovative changes hand, the hotel owners are urging by the government’s visitors bureau. consideration of the benefits that the Tourism is now the biggest earner of government gains from tourist dollars foreign exchange, with visitor arrivals (FIB, June 2005, 21). reaching a record 495,008 in 2005, Whichever party wins in the 2006 up from 430,800 in 2003. The Fiji general election, Fiji’s leaders will Visitors Bureau forecasts that in the continue to face the challenges of year 2007 there will be 610,000 visi- enhancing the country’s economic tors, and a total foreign exchange growth while promoting political earning of a billion dollars (FIB, Sept stability. 2005, 10). alumita l durutalo The boom in the tourist industry also caused some indigenous Fijian owners to think seriously about how References to protect and profit from their nat- Durutalo, Alumita. 2003. Informal Justice ural resources. In 2005, a bill for the in Law and Justice Reform in the Pacific state to return qoliqoli (traditional Region. In A Kind of Mending: Restora- fishing grounds) to their indigenous tive Justice in the Pacific Islands, edited owners was finally introduced in Par- by Sinclair Dinnen, Anita Jowitt, and liament. A request by chiefs for the Tess Newton-Cain, 165–176. Canberra: return of qoliqoli had been granted Pandanus Books. by the British Crown as early as 1881, FIB, Fiji Islands Business. Monthly. Suva. but nothing had ever been done about Fiji Times. Daily. Suva. it (FIB, June 2005, 20–21). Traditional qoliqoli owners located near hotels The Review. Monthly. Suva. (which are almost wholly foreign owned) have been unable to get access to traditional fishing grounds because New Caledonia the state still “owns” the resources and has given access through leases to The “post-colonial” process of nation hotel owners. Some resource owners building continued in Kanaky/ New are also concerned about the damage Caledonia in 2005, as the new gov- done to the natural environment ernment elected in May 2004 entered through the construction of large its second year. The political stars of hotels. In 2005, Fijian landowners Avenir Ensemble (ae, or Future 400 the contemporary pacific • 18:2 (2006)
Together) and Palika-uni (Parti de ethnic groups exploited by French Liberation Kanak plus the rump Front colonialism. Because of post-1980s de Libération Nationale Kanak et divisions in the flnks, the organizers Socialiste, or flnks) rose, relative to wanted to remind people of the need the stars of Jacques Lafleur and his for solidarity in order to achieve the Rassemblement pour la Calédonie “common destiny” proposed by the dans la République (rpcr) and the 1998 Noumea Accord. Palika spokes- pro-independence Union Calédoni- man Sylvain Pabouty argued that enne (uc), though the minority ae Machoro, who smashed a ballot box government (only 16 out of 54 seats in a famous incident in November in Congress) had to share power in 1984 and then conducted an active the cabinet and thus continue nurtur- rural struggle to recover stolen lands, ing a case-by-case consensus in order had helped to unify the Kanak move- to pass local “laws of the country.” ment on the ground, shake up the Moreover, contentious issues remained colonial system, and internationalize unresolved, such as creating a local the independence struggle by attract- citizenship, protecting local hiring, ing more support abroad, culminating restricting the electorate on important in the United Nations’ inscription of votes, and balancing economic devel- the territory on its decolonization list opment with much-needed social in 1986. Jean-Paul Caillard, another programs. The struggles over increas- activist, said that the flnks revolt ing nickel exports in the North and had forced France to create three South provinces, in the face of mili- provinces, so that Kanak leaders tant labor strikes and Kanak custom- could govern the North and Islands ary and/or environmental protests, provinces—a success that “saved the often disrupted the country. existence of a people”—and that In January, supporters of indepen- individual democratic rights, which dence organized a three-day com- had once been used as a colonial memoration of the twentieth anniver- weapon against collective indigenous sary of the assassination by French liberation, now served decolonization sharpshooters of Eloi Machoro and instead (kol, 13 Jan, 17 Jan 2005). Marcel Nonaro in La Foa. Both are The local branch of the League of regarded as martyrs in the flnks the Rights of Man, led by Kanak uprising of 1984–85, though the activist Elie Poigoune, held several French State and loyalist settlers colloquia during the year to encour- called them terrorists. At the opening age public discussion on important of a new sociocultural hall in Canala issues. In mid-June, Billy Wapotro of named after Machoro, Jean Pierre the Protestant Educational Alliance Pouperon of the organizing committee and author-teacher Dr Louis-José said the event expressed both a duty Barbançon spoke about the meaning to remember and a message of unity. of a “common destiny” and how to The organizers hoped to show that achieve it. Wapotro urged people to Machoro and Nonaro were fighting study history in order to change it; to for justice and freedom, both for the avoid the tragic confrontations of the indigenous Kanak and for other past, Kanak and non-Kanak must find political reviews • melanesia 401 ways to coexist through active dia- role in building interclan bonds logue leading to greater mutual under- through marriage, Naisseline sup- standing. Barbançon said French set- ported them at a third colloquium, tlers needed to become “Oceanians of arguing that the Senate was not a European origin”; many were already traditional institution anyway but intermarried with non-Europeans and rather was intended to defend all who should work toward better ways to lived according to Kanak custom, not share the country’s riches. In the dis- just male chiefs (kol, 24 Aug 2005). cussion that followed, Poigoune said, On 24 September, the date of “The common destiny is built slowly French annexation in 1853, the Mwâ every day if we believe in it,” notably Kâ (a twelve-meter-high totem pole in schools, municipalities, churches, first sculpted for the 150th anniver- and mixed couples, though it still sary in 2003) was honored again in required more promotion in civic and its now-permanent setting across from political circles (kol, 9 July 2005). At the Territorial Museum in Noumea. a second colloquium in July, Octave Modeled after designs on the center Togna, director of the Jean-Marie post of a traditional chiefly house, Tjibaou Cultural Center, reminded each of its eight symbols was carved the audience of the 1983 Nainville- by a sculptor from one of the Kanak les-Roches roundtable in France, cultural-linguistic regions. rpcr where Kanak and loyalists had agreed Mayor Jean Lèques had first banned to recognize each other’s heritages the Mwâ Kâ from the main square of and rights; he advocated political Noumea, whereupon rpcr leader cohesion through the teaching of Jacques Lafleur had had it placed on cultural diversity to young people: the grounds of the Southern Province “a common destiny is a permanent headquarters until he changed his quest.” Author Pascale Bernut- mind last year. The Mwâ Kâ was then Deplanque warned that local political placed in a huge concrete canoe in its citizenship would be insufficient with- current location, making it into a out intercultural education based on mast, and this year a tall, elderly mutual recognition: “The challenge is paddler was added, along with a to establish a balance among identi- garden of native plants. As Kanak ties by favoring an integration that sculptor Narcisse Decoire explained, is not an assimilation [to France].” “The Mwâ Kâ is a sign of our cus- High Chief Nidoish Naisseline of tom, it’s the link between the people Maré argued that “custom” is above of the mountains and the people of all an exchange, and since unesco the sea...the old man, the paddler, recognized the equality of all cultures, in the canoe will show that after 150 “there is no contradiction between years, the Kanak people are still here” being rooted and going out into the (ran, 18 July 2005). At the 24 Sep- world, or between tradition and tember ceremony attended by several modernity” (kol, 9 Aug 2005). After thousand people, organizer George Mareen women organized a protest Mandaoué of the Customary Senate to demand their inclusion in the new added, “The Kanak don’t want to Customary Senate, because of their take possession of the city but rather 402 the contemporary pacific • 18:2 (2006) erect the center post of a chiefly house governing cabinet, to participate, in in which all the communities of the honor of what Southern Province territory have their place.” The Mwâ President Philippe Gomès called “elec- Kâ has become, therefore, a symbol toral reality” (pir, 12 Jan 2005). Two to many of the common destiny idea, key issues for the pro-independence despite Lèques’s sarcastic comment parties were the “frozen” electorate that differences are not erased by (only those resident in the country in magic (he would receive the French 1998, the year of the Noumea Accord, Legion of Honor a few weeks later and their descendents should be able for his twenty years as mayor). ae to vote on issues affecting sover- cabinet minister Didier Leroux asked, eignty), which is also tied to the “Are we ready? Have we vanquished notion of creating a local citizenship our fears, overcome our wounds?” He and protecting local employment in shared with Déwé Gorodey, Kanak hiring; and renewing French-funded vice president of the government, the development contracts to promote sentiment that the Mwâ Kâ repre- “re-balancing” between the wealthy sented all citizens of the country South and the two Kanak-ruled prov- during a time of transition and recon- inces, especially to enable the North ciliation. Some other settlers and met- to build a nickel-processing plant. The ropolitan French complained about flnks envisions future independence, using only Kanak symbols to repre- though Palika-uni and the uc differ sent their common destiny, while in their degrees of satisfaction over some Kanak said a “national” Mwâ progress under the Noumea Accord, Kâ was untraditional (NC, 23 Sept, mainly because Palika controls the 26 Sept 2005). Northern Province. Meanwhile, the Such mixed feelings, despite so rpcr supports a “sliding” electorate many good intentions, typify the that would allow any resident of ten ongoing struggle to build a nation in years or more to vote in provincial a multiethnic country whose majority elections, while the ae did not have still opposes independence. The year a strong position on that issue but began with a political debate over agreed with the others that French whether the ae should be allowed to money should keep flowing into local participate in the usual follow-up development projects (NC, 17 Jan meeting to ensure the implementation 2005). of the Noumea Accord, since the ae French Overseas Minister Brigitte had not existed when the accord was Girardin urged the parties to over- signed by the rpcr and flnks and come their divisions to ensure contin- many of its members had in fact voted uing progress, but she also pointed against it. Opposition came mainly out that the rpcr (which is affiliated from Lafleur and the rpcr, because with her boss President Jacques the ae is composed largely of dissi- Chirac’s own party) retains all three dents from that former ruling party. of the country’s seats in the French A compromise allowed the ae, which Parliament and therefore has to be now rules the populous South and respected as “the primary political leads the territorial Congress and force in New Caledonia” (NC, 21 Jan political reviews • melanesia 403
2005). The restriction of the electorate paigned hard for: 78 percent voted implied in the Noumea Accord was yes, but to no avail, as 55 percent of approved by the European Court of French voters rejected it (NC, 31 May Human Rights in mid-January, which 2005; pir, 6 June 2005). Pro-inde- was a bitter disappointment for both pendence parties abstained (kol, 8 the local branch of the National Front May 2005). (which holds four seats in Congress) The biggest political story of the and a Movement for France com- year was the decline of Lafleur within posed of metropolitan immigrants the very party he had founded almost who resent being treated like “second- thirty years ago, in 1977. In January, class citizens” (NC, 13 Jan 2005). The he decided to pass on the party’s lead- pro-independence parties were elated ership to Pierre Frogier, the other by the European Court’s decision, but rpcr deputy to the French Parlia- Rock Wamytan, who had signed the ment. Like Charles de Gaulle, Lafleur Noumea Accord for the flnks in has repeatedly threatened to retire 1998, was disappointed when Girar- whenever getting his own way was in din said that a new law proposal doubt, and agreed to stay on after his would have to be ironed out for the supporters begged him to remain. French Parliament to vote on late in After the May 2004 elections, when 2005 or early 2006. She also said that the rpcr lost key seats to the ae, he President Chirac had promised to had resigned from his presidency of clear up the dispute before the end of the South and also his seat in Con- his final term in office, which Wamy- gress, while retaining his post of tan interpreted as an additional delay, deputy to Paris (TP, 18 Jan 2005). At since the next presidential elections first he had also urged Frogier to will be in 2009. He also complained resign from the new territorial cabinet that local hiring for jobs was not yet and was angry when he refused, but protected in the face of massive immi- later recanted, saying that he hoped gration aided by French State sub- Frogier would plan another thirty sidies for metropolitan airline tickets years ahead for the rpcr. Frogier (pir commentary, 27 Oct 2005). remained active in the opposition in Girardin agreed, however, to extend the South and Congress, saying, “It is the 2000–2004 aid contracts through definitely impossible to work in con- 2005 and to proceed with developing sensus and confidence with the new new ones for 2006–2010, to continue [ae] team in power” (NC, 19 Jan to study the feasibility of introducing 2005). By May, he said in an inter- the euro currency to the French view with Les Nouvelles-Calédoni- Pacific, to help the nickel-processing ennes that the rpcr would continue plant projects in the North and South, to fight for a special Caledonian iden- and to continue to transfer self- tity “rooted in the Pacific but without governing powers to New Caledonia distancing itself from France [and] (kol, 20 Jan 2005). In May, only one which does not exclude those who third of local voters cast their ballots have chosen to live here, because there on the new European constitution, is room for everyone.” The rpcr which Chirac and the rpcr cam- would choose a new president, by 404 the contemporary pacific • 18:2 (2006) secret ballot, and its members, not improving the financial viability of Lafleur, would decide who would social programs; building more replace its founder as candidate for affordable housing; and protecting deputy in 2007 (NC, 2 May 2005). the environment (NC, 2 May 2005). Lafleur suddenly talked of “treasons In July, Harold Martin, a former and plots” in the party (NC, 5 May rpcr politician who had defied 2005) and presented himself as a can- Lafleur’s authoritarian leadership and didate again for its presidency in June, joined the ae, was reelected Speaker since he had really expected to share of the Congress with 22 out of 54 leadership with Frogier, of whom he ballots after three rounds of voting. boasted, “I know him perfectly well, He touted the success of the ae in I made him” (NC, 4 June 2005). He garnering case-by-case support on said he would close down the weekly issues and in enhancing New Caledo- party paper Les Nouvelles-Hebdoma- nia’s role in the region; his top priori- daire because it was too supportive ties were expanding local employment of Frogier (pir, 7 June 2005). At the opportunities and affordable housing rpcr congress in July, Frogier won and lowering middle-class taxes (pir, the presidency with more than three- 28 July 2005). At its November con- quarters of the ballots, and Lafleur gress, the ae agreed to pursue the last left for Australia (ran, 6 July 2005). idea further, to promote local citizen- He finally resigned from the rpcr in ship as complementary to French citi- December, calling Frogier’s team zenship (not an eventual replacement “totally inept” (NC, 29 Dec 2005), for it, as the pro-independence parties and he lost a lawsuit for threatening wanted), and to reduce dependency on a local publisher by phone in May French State aid. Martin was reelected 2004 (NC, 17 Sept 2005). president of the ae, receiving 93 per- Meanwhile, the ae, which is cent of the votes as the sole candidate affiliated with the metropolitan Union (NC, 7 Nov 2005). Démocratique Français (udf), a major François Baroin replaced Girardin rival of Chirac’s party, welcomed a as French Overseas minister in June, visit in February by the udf President after serving Chirac faithfully in sev- François Bayrou, who called for more eral capacities (NC, 4 June 2005), and “transparency” in French overseas in September, Michel Mathieu moved policy (NC, 10 Feb 2005). In May, over from French Polynesia to be the ae held two days of discussions French high commissioner in New among its supporters and the public Caledonia, replacing Daniel Constan- over contentious issues such as the tin (NC, 9 Sept 2005). More impor- Goro/ Prony nickel project in the tantly, French money kept rolling in. South; developing more programs for One subsidy that drew objections young people to fight unemployment from the pro-independence parties and delinquency; diversifying air was “aid to territorial continuity,” service for tourism, teaching Kanak meaning cheaper airline tickets for languages in schools (since studies metropolitan French who wanted to showed it helped young Kanak fly home for vacation. Such aid, how- succeed in other subjects as well); ever, was reserved for Caledonians of political reviews • melanesia 405 lower income levels and of at least wealthy, multiethnic South had ten years residence and their children. 165,000 people, or 71 percent of the Constantin, among others, argued total population; the North 44,000, that such aid should be available to or 19 percent; and the Islands Prov- all French people in New Caledonia, ince 22,000, or 10 percent. Noumea, to counter “anti-metropolitan the capital, has grown by 20 percent racism,” and Leroux agreed that it in less than a decade to 91,000 (pir, should help all residents “to discover 16 June 2005; NC, 15 June 2005). France” (NC, 7 May 2005; kol, 12 With only about one-third of the Aug 2005). France will also continue population living in Kanak-governed its development aid for 2006–2010, areas, and those Kanak living in especially for affordable housing and Noumea continuing to maintain local infrastructure, having paid New residence and vote in the North and Caledonia over us$2 billion the Islands provinces, the South’s loyalist previous year. In 2004, French aid domination, and thus the territory’s, accounted for one-fourth of New is likely to continue. The flnks has Caledonia’s gross domestic product no seats in the Southern Provincial (pir, 24 Aug 2005; NC, 17 Aug, 31 Assembly, yet in the Southern primary Aug, 6 Sept 2005). As for local taxes, schools, a new pamphlet on citizen- the property tax was lower than in ship promoting “living together” is France but remained important for the being used (NC, 26 Oct 2005). The territorial government (Kanak tribal South is also investing heavily in reserves are exempt because they are affordable housing to defuse the communally owned), and the income growing squatter-camp time bomb, tax passed in 1982 (under the Tjibaou as shown by a riot in March between government) was adjusted to lighten 200 young partygoers and police in the load for the middle classes, the the so-called “Coca-Cola squat” in main base of support for the ae (NC, Montravel (NC, 7 March, 8 March, 31 Aug, 29 Dec 2005). At the end of 9 March 2005; pir, 8 March 2005). 2005, the Congress approved a us$1 Memories of the Kanak–Wallisian billion budget for 2006, thanks to confrontations in St Louis, which votes from the ae, uc, and some forced the government to relocate the National Front members (pir, 28 Polynesians, are still fresh in people’s Dec 2005). In the South Pacific, New minds, and the turmoil in Wallis and Caledonia’s per capita income is sec- Futuna between chiefly families ond only to Australia’s. On the other spilled over into New Caledonia in hand, its inflation was the highest in September (pir, 23 Sept 2005; NC, a decade in 2005, at 2.6 percent (NC, 23 Sept 2005). 12 Jan 2006). In foreign affairs, the country In June, the results of a controver- nurtured its relationship with the sial population census, which Chirac Pacific Forum, in which it has said could not include ethnicity, came observer status. New Caledonia has out: about 230,000 inhabitants, sought improved trade relations since despite a uc boycott that reduced the President Marie-Noëlle Thémereau total by perhaps 10 percent. The (of the ae) and her delegation 406 the contemporary pacific • 18:2 (2006) attended the Forum summit the previ- is negotiating their maritime borders; ous August. Her government is seri- hundreds of ni-Vanuatu enter New ously considering joining the Pacific Caledonia every year as contract Island Countries Trade Agreement workers or students, and two Cale- (picta) and working with the Pacific donian government ministers visited Agreement on Closer Economic Rela- Santo in May (pir, 28 Jan, 6 May tions (pacer), since several Forum 2005; NC, 31 Aug 2005). members, notably Fiji, have shown Independence supporters were not interest in exporting to the French pleased, however, that when Goff and Pacific market, where the income the eighty people in his delegation levels (and prices) are higher than in arrived in New Caledonia, no one most neighboring countries (pir, 19 from the Customary Senate partici- Jan 2005). In July, a Forum delegation pated in the welcoming ceremony visited New Caledonia to see how (kol, 31 March 2005). Worse, when progress was going under the Noumea a Tahitian government minister Accord. The Forum is considering addressed a visiting Caledonian trade creating a new “associate” member- delegation in Papeete in October as ship category to help non-sovereign being from “Kanaky,” the Caledo- countries participate more fully. nians walked out of the meeting in Thémereau concluded afterwards that protest (pir, 3 Oct 2005). Kanak “they wish us to become part of the leaders repeatedly ask the United Pacific family” (pir, 27 July 2005). Nations to help them decolonize, as The associate membership idea was when Manadoué, a former president approved before the French Pacific of the Customary Senate, attended a observer delegations attended the UN meeting in Brisbane in August summit in Port Moresby in October and complained that the United (pir, 25 Oct 2005). Thémereau and Nations cannot help his people unless New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minis- France invites it to do so: “I wish the ter Phil Goff also exchanged visits, UN did have the power to not only discussing not only ongoing trade, as investigate and report but to actually New Zealand exports goods worth enforce its findings when a member nz$290 million a year to New Cale- state is violating the rights of people donia, but also tourism and educa- who live within their territories” (pir, tional exchanges, and Thémereau 18 Aug 2005). Wamytan, who has showed interest in New Zealand’s served as head of the Melanesian social programs and teaching of Spearhead Group (which recognizes indigenous languages (pir, 29 March the flnks as a member), told the 2005; NC, 31 March 2005; kol, 5 United Nations in October that New July 2005). Australia is also a major Caledonia is still a colony despite the exporter of goods to New Caledonia, Noumea Accord. France helps immi- worth a$205 million annually, and gration to New Caledonia without significant tourism and investment protecting local employment, and link the two countries (NC, 20 Sept Kanak young people are growing 2005). New Caledonia also nurtured more alienated, without much hope relations with Vanuatu, with whom it of succeeding in school or getting political reviews • melanesia 407 decent jobs, without traditional cul- Most other strikes were more political tural references, without sufficient in nature, especially concerning the land or housing in semi-urban areas, protection of local hiring, which without rehabilitation of polluted elected officials have still not enacted nickel mining sites, and without into law seven years after the Noumea control over their destiny because Accord. As Rosine Streeter of the of delays in restricting the electorate. Syndicat Liberté Unité Action (slua) He urged the United Nations to hold argued, “It is thanks to the unions its next decolonization seminar in that Caledonia evolves” (kol, 12 Jan Noumea (pir commentary, 27 Oct 2006). In February, the Syndicat des 2005). Ouvriers et Employés de la Nouvelle- Militant labor strikes generated the Calédonie (soenc) stopped all flights most drama and headlines during the to the outer islands, both for residents year, and much of it was as political and tourists, because the domestic as it was economic. Not only is New carrier Air Calédonie hired a metro- Caledonia the most industrialized politan Frenchman as its technical country in the South Pacific outside director on a contract of undeter- Australia and New Zealand, but many mined duration. After negotiations, times since the bloody “Events” of the the union won the concession that 1980s, labor strikes have shut down the new director would train a local significant parts of the local economy replacement as soon as possible (NC, in order to pressure the government 2 Feb 2005). In April, the Union or powerful companies into making Syndicale des Travailleurs Kanak et concessions—a kind of “muscular” Exploités (ustke) and the Federation direct action that is reminiscent of of Civil Servants shut down the muni- the flnks in its heyday and even of cipal government in Thio because it Kanak revolts of the nineteenth cen- had hired a metropolitan Frenchman tury. Such strikes often involve as secretary-general, and slua did so marches, rallies, roadblocks, barri- in Poum for the same reason. cades that shut down offices or facto- In a letter to the French high com- ries, and other forms of physical or missioner ustke wrote, “The country psychological intimidation, which, must build itself with people from the like guerrilla warfare, can threaten country,” and Streeter said, “The cur- or inconvenience many innocent rent adjunct secretary-general is a bystanders. For example, from late young man from Poum. Why was this December 2004 until early February job not given to him?” Emmanuel 2005, the firefighters at Tontouta air- Daye, the Kanak mayor of Poum, port struck for fifty days over issues answered that the locals who applied of overtime pay and details in their were not qualified enough, and the statute as public employees. Hundreds adjunct needed more training himself. of flights were delayed or missed their But the Frenchman who was hired connections, costing the carriers and resigned after a week, calling himself the government millions of francs, a victim of politics. High Commis- while strikers still got paid for emer- sioner Constantin called such strike gency duty (NC, 15 Jan, 10 Feb 2005). actions “a form of racism,” but slua 408 the contemporary pacific • 18:2 (2006) threatened to continue the shutdown companies have to start training if Daye’s threat to punish the strikers locals, this would go a long way was carried out (NC, 23 April, 27 toward balancing tomorrow’s society” April, 28 April 2005). In Thio, the (pir, 23 May 2005). Song proposed strike caused dissension among pro- new legal criteria for government independence parties on the municipal recognition of labor unions, based on council, as Palika and the uc refused a minimum vote by at least 5 percent to support Mayor Albert Moindou of of the personnel in elections for union the Union Progressiste Mélanésienne leaders, in priority over previous rules (upm), so the mayor called for new based on number of members, inde- elections (NC, 10 April, 13 April, 12 pendence of leadership, dues paid, May 2005). Alan Song, the territorial experience, and longevity (which now minister of public services, called such would be two years minimum). His strike actions “a little premature,” plan would cancel the “representativ- because, like other “laws of the coun- ity” of five out of ten labor unions in try,” a proposed law on local hiring the country (NC, 24 Aug 2005). In still had to be presented to the French November, three territorial civil ser- Council of State for approval before vants unions went on strike, as 1,500 the local Congress could vote on it. marchers protested against proposed Meanwhile, he said, the quality of reforms in their benefits package, technical personnel in territorial or which Song said was deeply in the municipal government should not be red (NC, 3–4 Nov 2005). sacrificed before enough Caledonians Three other major strike actions were trained to replace metropolitans affected the nickel industry, namely (NC, 22 April 2005). In November, the Société Le Nickel (sln) plant at the Council of State rejected the dis- Doniambo, the proposed inco of criminatory wording of the proposed Canada project at Goro/Prony in the new law, so Song’s team had to pre- South, and the proposed Falconbridge pare a new version, which he said of Canada project at Koniambo in the would reserve over 90 percent of North. The sln has dominated nickel territorial government jobs for locals mining in New Caledonia for over a by creating two tracks in the civil century, and when its Director-Gen- service examination (NC, 6 Jan 2006). eral Philippe Vecten was promoted In May, ustke called a twenty-four- in March to director of strategy for hour general strike in support of local Eramet, the sln parent holding com- hiring and led a 3,000-person march pany, he noted that the sln was “in a in Noumea. Gerard Jodar, its presi- phase of very important investments,” dent, said, “ustke has been strug- notably the expansion of production gling for the defense of local employ- at its Doniambo processing plant out- ment preference since the 1980s. Since side Noumea to 75,000 metric tons then several agreements have been a year and of its mine at Tiebaghi, signed, including the Noumea Accord, which would get a new enrichment recognizing a number of work-related plant. He also voiced the often-heard principles, but we are still to see the opinion that if the proposed process- effects of these. . . . This country’s ing plant in the North at Koniambo is political reviews • melanesia 409 not built by Falconbridge, as planned the Surf and two more at the sln, to by the provincial government, the prevent what it called “kamikaze sln would resume ownership of the operations” (NC, 18 Oct 2005), but site and build a plant of its own Nea’s union won 18 out of 26 union there. For that reason, Eramet had posts in the sln workers’ board requested a second feasibility study election, gaining majorities in four of Koniambo, since Falconbridge was interior mining sites, while Didier running up against a deadline set by Guenant-Jeanson’s soenc (a member the Accord of Bercy in 1998 (NC, 29 of usoenc) held a 4 to 3 edge in the March, 12 April 2005). Doniambo plant and condemned The nemesis of the sln in 2005 cstnc “illegal” tactics. was Sylvain Nea, a veteran union Nea announced a protest march leader who wanted to establish his in support of his activists threatened new Confédération Syndicale des with firing (NC, 22 Oct 2005), and in Travailleurs de Nouvelle-Calédonie November, he organized an “unlim- (cstnc) in the nickel industry, among ited strike” on their behalf, despite other sectors. In September, he block- pleas by the government for a negoti- aded the labor-troubled Surf Hotel, ated agreement, creating roadblocks forcing its owners to close down and along the access roads to Doniambo relocate clients, and arousing the ire that caused what the press called of Union Syndicale des Ouvriers et “monstrous” traffic bottlenecks in Employés de la Nouvelle-Calédonie greater Noumea. The cstnc also shut (usoenc), which regarded the hotel down bread bakeries and hindered as its turf (NC, 12 Sept 2005). That garbage collection (NC, 14–15 Nov same month, five cstnc agents 2005). A court ordered the union to blocked access to the electrical power lift its blockades, to no avail, and the grid of the Doniambo plant, claiming sln warned that it had only ten more that it needed new safety measures days of ore supplies (pir, 16 Nov because workers had had electrical 2005). sln Director of Human accidents; the sln denied the area Resources Andre Moulin proposed was unsafe, but some workers told firing the two cstnc workers in ques- their story of dangers to the local tion and relocating them to other press. Perhaps it was not a coinci- operations, so Nea’s men roughed dence that elections for union leaders him up, threw him out of his own were coming up? Nea continued his office, and damaged his car. “We are blockade and expanded it to the in the right and rules must be the docks at Thio and Kouaoua, key same for everyone,” Nea told the sources of nickel ore for Doniambo, press. “There is nothing to make a causing the sln to warn of layoffs fuss about.” usoenc disagreed, as and shutting down furnaces, and did the employers association, which provoking a demonstration by soenc, sided with the sln (NC, 17 Nov the second largest union at Doniambo 2005). Nea insisted that his workers (NC, 7 Oct, 13–14 Oct 2005). The be reinstated without conditions and government labor board authorized set up more roadblocks in the center the firing of two cstnc workers at of Noumea, but the territorial cabinet 410 the contemporary pacific • 18:2 (2006) confirmed the firings, with four votes Goro had been halted in 2002 after from the ae, Palika, and uc ministers. massive protests by environmentalists, The three rpcr ministers abstained, Kanak customary leaders, and sup- revealingly, considering that in porters of local employment (Horo- November 2000 Lafleur had rewarded witz 2004), but the new ae govern- Nea’s wildcat strikers (then of soenc) ment encouraged inco to start up with big pay increases after they chal- again. France also granted inco lenged a laboriously negotiated social us$500 million in tax breaks for pact among unions and employers 2004, and it decreased its own share (NC, 18 Nov 2005). The ae accused of the capital ownership slightly in the rpcr of complicity, claiming that order to increase New Caledonia’s Jean-Claude Briault informed Pierre share to 10 percent. In early 2005, Maresca of what the cabinet was dis- inco planned to allow Japanese firms cussing, who then told Nea. Maresca (Sumitomo and Mitsui) to buy a 21 retorted that provincial President percent share in the project, since Gomès was a “usurper” and warned Japan buys most of the territory’s the ae, “You control nothing.” The processed nickel, and it agreed to ae government hesitated to use force award us$40 million in contracts to for fear that cstnc would call in min- local companies in the construction ing transporters to besiege Noumea (pir, 5 Jan 2005; NC, 15 Jan 2005). (NC, 19 Nov 2005). The sln, losing But Raphaël Mapou’s Yate-based money fast, offered to reintegrate the Rhéébù Nùù committee, backed by two workers, but only in late 2007— the flnks, voiced concerns about an offer that Nea rejected, demanding pollution of local waters and blocked the first day in 2006 instead. Noumea the site in February. Gomès had the was inundated with marches by police reopen the site at the request employers, soenc, and the cstnc, of the Kanak customary leaders in until French Interior Minister Nicolas Djubea. Mapou and Andre Vama of Sarkozy told the high commissioner Rhéébù Nùù were convicted of illegal to use troops (NC, 22–30 Nov 2005). acts and received suspended sentences In early December, French Mobile with fines (kol, 7 Feb 2005; NC, 5 Guards liberated gas stations and the Feb, 11 May 2005). At his trial, main highways, but Nea redirected Mapou argued that the barricade was his strikers to shut down four banks a last resort, after efforts to negotiate in Noumea, while sympathizers in the for an independent assessment of the St Louis tribe set up their own road- environmental impact of using chemi- block. “We will not lower our arms,” cals like sulfuric acid and of dumping Nea vowed (NC, 1–2 Dec 2005). The manganese into local waters were sln finally agreed to reintegrate the rejected by inco. The government two workers in late February 2006, countered that the Southern Province but they would be relocated to had already promised to monitor the another mining site after more train- pollution issue closely, and the area’s ing. Nea himself had to stand trial customary leaders had approved the (NC, 3 Dec, 8 Dec 2005). project (kol, 13 April 2005; NC, 3 Feb The inco nickel plant project at 2005; TP, 15 Feb 2005). Yet in May, political reviews • melanesia 411 the South finally agreed to have a in the North. All access roads and the nongovernmental environmental port were closed, so that inco had to impact study done on Goro, since relocate its personnel from Goro to Rhéébù Nùù had shown that the Noumea (NC, 14–15 Dec 2005). The effluent would contain 100 times police finally liberated the site again more pollution than European Union and put two arsonists in prison (NC, standards authorized. inco ceo Scott 16 Dec, 23 Dec, 28 Dec 2005). inco Hand said he hoped to avoid having announced that in January 2006 the to build an additional furnace to dis- first Filipino “specialists” would pose of the manganese runoff, since arrive to begin constructing the Goro it would pollute the atmosphere! (NC, nickel plant (NC, 22 Dec 2005). 3 May 2005). The Northern Province nickel In July a coalition of unions, cus- plant has been talked about for over tomary leaders, environmental thirty years in New Caledonia, but it groups, and politicians supported a took on new importance after the demand from Rhéébù Nùù that inco Matignon Accord of 1988 promised cease to seek exemptions from taxa- efforts to rebalance the local economy tion and environmental standards, so that Noumea did not control all and Gomès voiced concern that inco the wealth. In the Bercy Accord of was not heeding the recommendations 1998, France agreed to let Falcon- made by the Southern Province. Even bridge work with the Northern Prov- High Commissioner Constantin said, ince government (which would retain “inco is lying to everybody” (kol, 51 percent ownership, unlike the 11 July 2005). inco wanted to South’s tiny share of Goro) to develop require workers to put in sixty hours a nickel processing plant. The accord a week during the construction phase, also said the Société Minerale Sud and to hire 4,000 foreign workers, Pacifique (smsp), which Lafleur had mostly Filipino (NC, 21 Aug 2005; sold to the North, could acquire the pir, 7 Sept 2005). By November, a title to the Koniambo mining site from Noumea court voided an inco per- the sln, in exchange for the smaller mit to research the Prony nickel vein at Poum and additional compen- deposit near Goro, something that sation, so long as Falconbridge made the Lafleur government had done in its final decision, after initial research, defiance of an earlier court annul- by the end of 2005. In February, ment. The new government objected Falconbridge announced it needed to “giving away” such a valuable ore another eleven months to decide vein without proper consultation (NC, because of rising costs, but Paul 14 Oct 2005; pir, 22 Nov 2005). Neaoutyine, president of the North, inco did not escape the year without assured his government, “The North- another blockade in December, this ern factory, it’s no longer a project, time by ustke and Mapou’s new it’s a reality” (NC, 12 Feb, 4 Feb Caugern (Indigenous Committee to 2005). Andre Dang, smsp president, Manage Natural Resources), to put announced cost-cutting economies pressure on France to give its final such as postponing the hydroelectric approval to the Falconbridge project dam at Pouembout in order to finance 412 the contemporary pacific • 18:2 (2006) the Northern plant, showing how the largest nickel company in the important it was to Kanak aspirations world, but the US government threat- for providing job opportunities for ened an antitrust investigation, since young people and “national” income both firms listed their stocks on Wall for independence (NC, 11 Feb 2005; Street, so the offer was postponed for Horowitz 2004). The North even sixty days, even though the pressure hired archeologists to make sure the was building for Falconbridge to construction would not destroy make its final decision (kol, 12 Oct ancient artifacts, since it took pride in 2005; NC, 13 Oct, 22 Nov 2005; pir, the site where Lapita pottery was first 16 Nov 2005). In late November, found and wanted to make it a tourist ustke organized a general strike to attraction (NC, 30 March 2005). protest a condition that the French In late March, however, ustke State wanted to impose on the Koni- organized a demonstration in Noumea ambo deal, namely that if it ran into against recent developments in the financial difficulty, the State would two new nickel plant projects. It pro- confiscate 98 percent of smsp’s divi- tested against what it said was a cam- dends—a clause that banks refused to paign by the sln to get Koniambo risk underwriting. “We are going to back by claiming that Falconbridge war, and I am weighing my words,” had failed to deliver, and against the vowed Jodar (NC, 24–25 Nov 2005). lack of an independent environmental France gave an ultimatum to study of the Goro project (TP, 31 Falconbridge to take it or leave it, March 2005). In June, the North so Falconbridge considered bypassing announced that one of the two condi- the State and financing the project by tions in the Bercy Accord had been itself, with the Northern Province fulfilled, that a feasibility study had borrowing its share from Falcon- proven the project bankable; the bridge and repaying it with most of second condition remained, that the the province’s dividends over many North commit us$100 million by the years. Falconbridge said that the sln end of 2005. In July, Overseas Minis- was lobbying the State strongly in ter Baroin confirmed that France had order to regain Koniambo; yet it also made the project a top priority by admitted that if it merged with inco, approving tax rebates of us$620 mil- Goro would be built first (NC, 26 lion for construction of a power sta- Nov, 2 Dec 2005). In December, tion. Falconbridge predicted a total 1,500 protesters demonstrated in cost of us$2.3 billion to create the Noumea against what they regarded nickel-processing plant, port, and as the French bid to undermine the increased mining output at Koniambo, Northern plant (rnzi, 11 Dec 2005), while the South hoped to have Goro and Falconbridge decided to bypass fully operational by 2007 for us$1.8 the State, with the approval of billion (NC, 9 June 2005; pir, 20 July Neaoutyine, a leader of Palika-uni 2005). A new complication arose in (NC, 12 Dec, 15 Dec 2005). ustke, October, as inco offered to improve however, was less optimistic and the “synergy” of both projects by maintained the pressure. Jodar buying Falconbridge, thereby creating warned that the new arrangement political reviews • melanesia 413 would indebt the Northern Province the Political Economy of Mining in New for a long period, in an age when Caledonia. The Contemporary Pacific multinationals use debt to keep small 16:287–319. countries under their control while kol, Kanaky Online.
Australian Foreign Affairs Minister and order problems in the country Alexander Downer said Papua New (PNG Post-Courier, 28 April 2005). Guinea and Solomon Islands demon- According to the group, of the a$800 strated the problems facing “fragile million (2 billion kina) funding, the states”—a shift from the “failed amount for salaries and accommoda- state” label Australian politicians, tions for the Australian Federal Police journalists, and analysts have often was a$339.8 million (871.28 million used to describe the two countries kina), while a$394.59 million (1 bil- (PNG Post-Courier, 12 May 2005). lion kina) was for afp logistics and A new era of cooperation between operational costs. The report revealed Papua New Guinea and Australia that the Australian Federal Police resulted in the implementation of the would spend a$734.41 million (1.9 Enhancement Cooperation Program billion kina) on themselves, while (ecp), an aid package of 2 billion kina technical assistance for the Royal (a$800 million), fully funded by the Papua New Guinea Constabulary Australian government. An important amounted to only a$55.7 million (143 aspect of this program was the utiliza- million kina) (PNG Post-Courier, 28 tion of Australian police officers to April 2005). This information led to work alongside their PNG counter- a series of meetings held by police parts. This program was welcomed by officers in Port Moresby. The differ- the residents of Port Moresby, who ences in the working conditions of for the first time saw Australian Fed- local police officers and their afp eral Police (afp) officers patrolling the counterparts also came under fire in streets with their PNG counterparts. Parliament. Members of Parliament The police minister urged PNG police pointed out that Australian and local officers to work closely with the Aus- officers might clash (PNG Post- tralian police. Despite the deployment Courier, 29 April 2005). of the Australian assisting police in In another major blow to the pro- Port Moresby, crimes such as armed gram, PNG security officers accused robbery, car theft, and assault contin- the Australian assisting police of con- ued to increase in the city (National, ducting surveillance and intelligence 7 April 2005). The increase in these gathering on Papua New Guinea crimes is attributed to the fact people under the guise of the Enhancement feel that they will be treated more Cooperation Program (National, 29 nicely when arrested by the Australian April 2005). They also claimed that assisting police than by Papua New the Australian police had installed a Guinean police officers. satellite link at the operation room at By April there were signs of dis- the Boroko Police Station without the content with the assistance package approval of the police commissioner. among Papua New Guinea police In early May, following a meeting officers. aid Watch, an activist group attended by 300 police officers, an monitoring Australian overseas aid ultimatum was given to the police and trade policies, reported that a commissioner to remove the Aus- very small portion of the ecp money tralian assisting police from the coun- would actually be used to combat law try. Responding to the ultimatum, the 420 the contemporary pacific • 18:2 (2006) prime minister called for a review to Despite the removal of Australian ensure that the ecp policing com- police officers from the country, other ponent was working effectively aspects of the Enhancement Coopera- (National, 9 May 2005). However, tion Program remained in place. Some the afp review had to wait, pending Australians were not affected by the the legal challenge to the Enhance- court ruling and continued to work ment Cooperation Program in the in various government departments Supreme Court instituted by the (National, 20 May 2005). outspoken Luther Wenge. The discussion of a new ecp On 13 May the Supreme Court arrangement began immediately after handed down a landmark decision the court ruling. The police and for- when it ruled that the use of the Aus- eign affairs ministers were both com- tralian assisting police in Papua New mitted to renegotiating the program, Guinea was unconstitutional (PNG and a cabinet decision gave full Post-Courier, 16 May 2005). A five- authority to the police minister to judge decision led by Chief Justice Sir pursue the police aspect of the agree- Mari Kapi ruled unanimously that ment (National, 12 Aug 2005). key sections of the ecp Act relating to The provision of basic education the immunity for designated/related has been an ongoing dilemma for the persons were unconstitutional. The government. In the Education for All ruling meant that the officers had to Global Monitoring Report released by stand down until the two govern- unesco in 2005, Papua New Guinea ments made other arrangements. ranked 102 out of 127 countries. Many inside and outside observers Figures from the 2000 national were dismayed by the decision. Sir census showed that only about 40 Rabbie Namaliu indicated that the percent of the primary school aged government would make the neces- children were attending school at that sary changes. The Australian foreign time. In March 2005, the PNG Edu- affairs minister expressed his disap- cation Department launched its pointment, but said he would sit with national education plan for the next the PNG government and work out ten years. The plan calls for the edu- what could be done next. Minister for cation system to provide children Internal Security Bire Kimisopa, who with skills rather than prepare them was behind Australia’s Enhancement for tertiary education. The policy Cooperation Program from the very deliberately targets the thousands of beginning, also expressed his disap- young men and women who may not pointment. Accepting the decision of make it past years 8, 10, and 12, and the court, the minister stated that who thus often join the growing both governments have to go back to unemployment numbers—hopelessly the drawing board. upng Professor lost and dependent on parents and Allan Patience argued that the deci- relatives in the cities and towns (PNG sion would rock the very foundations Post-Courier, 17 March 2005). of PNG–Australia relations and that The tertiary education system was the damage could be irreparable hit hard in 2005 when the staff and (PNG Post-Courier, 16 May 2005). students at the University of Papua political reviews • melanesia 421
New Guinea protested against the tackling pressing issues including administration of the university. A housing, pay, communication, logis- work stoppage of two weeks occurred tics, and uniforms (PNG Post- after staff demands for agreed wage Courier, 23 Feb 2005). increases were ignored. The admin- A highlight of 2005 was the estab- istration continued its hard-line lishment of a Guns Control Commit- approach even after the staff went tee headed by retired General Jerry back to work. The leaders of the two Singirok. Traveling to most parts of staff unions and a number of senior the country to collect information, academics were targeted by the the committee heard strong calls to administration, and nine staff mem- immediately address the problem of bers were asked to show cause why illegal firearms. In Eastern Highlands they should not be terminated. Province it was discovered that many The student protest began in July people have been killed during tribal and lasted almost a month. Their fights by guns (PNG Post-Courier, demands focused on the grading 7 March 2005). In Mt Hagen the system used at the university. The committee heard from a guns and administration treated the students drug dealer that guns are smuggled the same way that they treated the into the country in 200-liter gas staff and this prolonged the protest. bottles and 44-gallon oil drums It was only after the intervention of (PNG Post-Courier, 4 April 2005). the acting minister for education that This informant was ready to reveal the students went back to class. The names of more than one hundred minister appointed a committee illegal gun buyers. headed by Dr Thomas Webster, In the Southern Highlands, the director of the National Research committee heard that high-powered Institute, to look into the allegations weapons were used in tribal fights, made by students and staff. and that every tribe and clan was In February 2005, the Australian amassing guns in preparation for the newspaper The Age claimed to have 2007 elections. The committee was uncovered links between sixteen of also told that the leaders themselves Papua New Guinea’s most senior are arming the people. A study con- police officers and Asian criminals ducted by Professor Philip Alpers of implicated in people smuggling, the University of Sydney uncovered money laundering, prostitution, illegal that approximately 2,450 factory- gambling, fraud, and theft. Police made firearms were being used by Minister Bire Kimesopa said that the criminals, tribal fighters, and merce- report was credible and acknowl- nary gunmen to wreak havoc in edged the existence of an organized Southern Highlands Province. Pro- crime syndicate involving some senior fessor Alpers said that most of the members of the police force (PNG destructive firearms used in crime and Post-Courier, 21 Feb 2005). The min- conflict in the province had been sup- ister argued that the growing culture plied by PNG soldiers and police. of corruption in the police force was The fight by government, civil a result of past governments not society, and foreign donors to address 422 the contemporary pacific • 18:2 (2006) the hiv/aids epidemic gained Roll-out program. The program is momentum in 2005. unaids Execu- designed to ensure that long-neglected tive Director Dr Peter Piot visited the districts obtain basic government country and noted that the 3 percent services such as police, district magis- infection rate was high compared to trates, banking, and postal services. other countries in the Pacific and East By the end of 2005, more than ten Asian region (PNG Post-Courier, 21 districts throughout the country had Feb 2005). The number of women benefited from this program. getting infected was also high, which The Somare government also has serious economic and social launched the Medium Term Develop- implications. Since 2001, more than ment Strategy Plan: 2005–2010. Pro- half of the 107 teachers who died moting the government’s program for while on duty suffered from hiv/aids recovery and development, the plan (National, 31 May 2005). The has three interrelated objectives: good National Superannuation Fund Lim- governance, export-driven economic ited reported that 90 percent of death growth, and rural development and claims relating to hiv/aids were poverty reduction to be achieved from the Highlands Region (PNG through empowerment of the people. Post-Courier, 10 June 2005). It is a product of extensive consulta- The fight against hiv/aids was tion with the provincial and local boosted by the establishment of a new level governments, the private sector, organization called Igat Hope, made community organizations, and ordi- up of people living with the disease. nary Papua New Guineans (PNG Dr Banare Bun, chairman of the Par- Post-Courier, 10 March 2005). Prior- liamentary Committee on hiv/aids, ity areas for the next five years are the urged people to make it their business rehabilitation and maintenance of to fight against the disease. Only transport infrastructure, promotion when there is talk about sexuality of income earning opportunities, basic and reproductive health will society education, development-oriented be able to address the problem (PNG informal adult education, primary Post-Courier, 23 Feb 2005). The health care, hiv/aids prevention, and Australian government pledged its law and justice (PNG Post-Courier, continued support to fund the PNG 28 April 2005). government’s effort to fight the epi- The plan was not without its demic. AusAID head John Davidson critics, and Professor Allan Patience said hiv/aids was the single biggest described it as “a feel good plan” threat to Papua New Guinea (PNG that did not address many important Post-Courier, 17 March 2005). Two issues—including disaster manage- popular Rugby League players from ment, corruption, globalization, Australia, Mal Meninga and Paul unemployment, and population Harragon, visited schools and settle- growth—that could have a huge ments carrying the messages of the bearing on the economic and social dangers of the disease in society prosperity of the country (PNG (National, 10 May 2005). Post-Courier, 9 May 2005). A major initiative of the Somare The forestry sector again came government was the District Treasury under scrutiny in 2005. Minister for political reviews • melanesia 423
Forests Patrick Pruaitch came under 16 March 2005). The United Nations attack by the member for Huon Gulf, Economic and Social Commission for Sasa Zibe. Arguing that the minister Asia and the Pacific also praised the had allowed corrupt practices by Somare government for maintaining foreign logging firms, Zibe urged tight fiscal discipline during 2005, Pruaitch to resign (PNG Post-Courier, which resulted in a surplus of 1.1 per- 16 March 2005). Pruaitch’s proposed cent of the gross domestic product amendment to the Forestry Act was (PNG Post-Courier, 12 May 2005). opposed by provinces that have log- In June, the PNG Treasury secre- ging companies operating in them tary reported that the economy would (PNG Post-Courier, 5 May 2005). grow by a projected rate of 3.4 per- The governors for Western Province cent. The economy had grown by 2.8 and Gulf Province argued there was percent in 2003 and 2.6 percent in nothing wrong with the act as it 2004 (National, 5 July 2005). Garth stands, and that any amendments McIlwain, managing director of the must take into account the interests Bank of the South Pacific, stated that of the people and not just that of the the PNG economy is experiencing its government (PNG Post-Courier, 13 best conditions in the thirty years May 2005). Members of Parliament since independence because of a sense also raised questions about how the of maturity in leadership (National, prime minister would reconcile the 3 Oct 2005). proposed amendment with his push alphonse gelu for carbon trading as a solution to climate change problems. Markham mp Andrew Baing warned that References amendments to the Forestry Act The Age. Daily. Melbourne. would destroy the country’s forest PNG Post-Courier. Daily. Port Moresby. resources. Despite all the criticisms, Parliament passed the amendments The National. Daily. Boroko. during its sitting on 3 August. unesco. 2005. Education for All Global A major blow to the forestry sector Monitoring Report 2005: The Quality was the withdrawal of us$34.4 mil- Imperative. Paris: unesco. lion (112.4 million kina) by the World Bank for forestry and conser- vation project in the country. The Solomon Islands loan agreement was designed to help government force logging companies By the end of 2005 much of the to comply with forest and environ- public discussion in Solomon Islands ment laws (PNG Post-Courier, 23 focused on the general election sched- May 2005). uled for 5 April 2006. Many people The Institute of National Affairs hoped that this election would bring Council reported that it was pleased in leaders who would steer the coun- with the performance of the economy, try away from the path it had fol- noting that political stability had lowed in the last twenty-seven years encouraged both investment and of constitutional independence. Many consumption (PNG Post-Courier, were convinced that poor leadership 424 the contemporary pacific • 18:2 (2006) and government policies had con- of post-conflict rebuilding. While tributed to the social unrest and the these institutions usually captured the subsequent intervention by the media limelight, there were also many Australian-led Regional Assistance local communities and individuals Mission to Solomon Islands (ramsi) who—even before the ramsi inter- in July 2003. vention—had been working to restore Governor of the Central Bank Rick order in communities across the coun- Hou echoed many people’s sentiments try and rebuild relationships damaged when he said that voters should “elect by the social unrest. These people honest, trustworthy and leaders of continued to contribute to the post- integrity . . . who can contribute posi- conflict rebuilding processes. tively to the welfare of the people and The year started on a high foreign- the country so that we can enjoy a relations note with the historic visit in stable landscape” (Solomon Star, 14 early February of Taiwanese President Dec 2005). But while people hoped Chen Shui-bian. He was accompanied for the best from this election, past by a huge delegation that consisted of experiences indicate that one should sixty-nine “high-ranking” government never bet on a favorable election out- officials and more than forty media come. For one thing, the election will personnel. President Shui-bian’s visit be contested under the same electoral marked a milestone in Solomon and political party systems used in Islands–Taiwanese relations and high- the past. Second, the predominant lighted Solomon Islands’ importance political culture, which places enor- in Taiwan’s push for international mous social and financial demands recognition. The Honiara visit was on candidates, will continue to influ- part of President Shui-bian’s Pacific ence both the election process and its Islands tour, aimed at improving outcome. Unless these change, it is Taiwan’s profile and recognition in difficult to see how this election will the international arena. With main- be different from previous ones. land China’s rapid economic growth The election aside, and like the and growing importance as a global previous year, 2005 was dominated power, it was vital for Taiwan to by the continuing struggle to recover ensure that Pacific Island countries from the social unrest that started in like Solomon Islands were kept under late 1998 and has since dominated its diplomatic wings. Solomon Islands political, social, and The Solomon Islands government economic landscapes. Central to the gave President Shui-bian the highest recovery process was the work of the diplomatic treatment, rolling out the Regional Assistance Mission and red carpet in the humid afternoon sun other institutions engaged in strength- on 29 January, and then according ening the state’s capacity to restore him the honor of addressing the and maintain law and order, manage Solomon Islands National Parliament the economy, and provide social ser- on 31 January. Governor-General Sir vices. Cohorts of nongovernmental Nathaniel Waena hailed Taiwan as organizations, foreign governments, “the only helper in Solomon Islands’ and financial and intergovernmental dark days” (Solomon Star, 1 Feb institutions joined ramsi in the task 2005). In response, President Shui- political reviews • melanesia 425 bian called Solomon Islands “Taiwan’s on. In reaction, Kemakeza described most loyal ally in the Pacific” (Solo- Ulufa‘alu as “a total coward” (Solo- mon Star, 1 Feb 2005). mon Star, 14 Feb 2005). Taiwan’s relations with Solomon During the same meeting, the Islands has captured much interest National Parliament also debated over the years, especially in relation and passed three reports on the to what is often described as Taiwan’s review of ramsi’s first year of opera- “checkbook diplomacy.” More seri- tion: (1) the Review Report by the ous were allegations that Taiwanese Intervention Taskforce Committee; money had been used to buy and (2) the Cabinet Committee’s Report maintain patron-client relationships of the Taskforce’s Review; and (3) the in domestic politics. Although no one Parliamentary Foreign Relations has offered substantial evidence to Committee Review Report. The prove this, it is clear that prior to the debate was at times heated as parlia- ramsi intervention Taiwanese money mentarians expressed differing opin- was used to pay “compensation” to ions about the work of the Regional armed groups and individuals, fueling Assistance Mission. While many the extortion of the state and the expressed appreciation of ramsi’s maintenance of relationships between contributions to the restoration and some government officials and armed maintenance of law and order and the citizens. continuing efforts to rebuild the coun- The debate surrounding Taiwanese try, some expressed concern about the money came to the fore in the lead-up approaches it employed. Then Minis- to the 2006 election, with two mem- ter for Police and Justice Michael bers of Parliament, Joses Tuhanuku Maina, for example, claimed that the and Alfred Sasako, accusing Taiwan “gap between ramsi and [the Royal of bankrolling particular politicians, Solomon Islands Police] rsip is deep- including Prime Minister Allan Kema- ening.” He called for the closing of keza and his Peoples Alliance Party the gap, and requested that Solomon (Solomon Star, 17, 20, 21, 22 March Islands’ “friends must listen” (Solo- 2006). mon Star, 2 Feb 2005). Then Minister The Taiwanese president’s visit was of Finance Francis Zama made sting- significant, but as soon as he left the ing criticisms of the Regional Assis- country, domestic politics shifted back tance Mission, expressing concern to its usual gear. During the February about ramsi officials taking on line meeting of the National Parliament, positions in the public service and for example, Bartholomew Ulufa‘alu how that could be unsustainable in moved a motion of no confidence in the longer term. Prime Minister Kemakeza, accusing For his criticism of ramsi, Zama his government of unfairly dismissing found himself at the wrong end of the public servants and mistreating work- prime minister’s political whip. He ers at the Russell Islands Plantation was sacked as cabinet minister, and Estate Limited. However, realizing Kemakeza made no secret of the fact that he didn’t have the numbers to that it was because of Zama’s critical carry it through, Ulufa‘alu withdrew comments about ramsi. Zama said the motion before it could be voted that he would not rule out the possi- 426 the contemporary pacific • 18:2 (2006) bility that Australian authorities might for the future. In late February the have had a hand in his dismissal Western Province held its own leaders (Solomon Star, 4 Feb 2005). summit in Gizo, bringing together The country’s political discussions people from various sectors of society. were not confined to the National Another issue that dominated pub- Parliament. Politics outside of Parlia- lic discussions throughout 2005—as it ment were as dynamic as they have did in prior years—was the proposal always been, and, as expected, were to introduce federalism, or a state influenced a great deal by issues government system, as it is commonly emerging out of the social unrest. known in Solomon Islands. This issue, One interesting development was the which had been around since indepen- emergence of the Ma‘asina Forum, dence, became prominent during the a social movement that claimed to social unrest because of Guadalcanal champion the interests of Malaita Province’s demand for the establish- people. Formed initially to facilitate ment of a federal system of govern- discussions about development on ment to replace the existing unitary Malaita, the Ma‘asina Forum later system. In 2003 and 2004 the United shifted to other issues such as a Nations Development Program spon- demand for Malaita’s independence. sored a nationwide consultation People increasingly perceived the aimed at facilitating constitutional movement as anti–central govern- reform to accommodate federalism. ment and as pushed by a few elites in Since then, a draft federal constitution Honiara to serve their own political has been produced. Despite this, the agendas. Commenting on the issue debate has continued, with people of independence, Malaita’s Anglican expressing both support and opposi- Bishop, the Rev Terry Brown, said tion to the proposal. The Western and that “there is little grassroots interest Guadalcanal provinces strongly sup- in independence in Malaita, indeed, port federalism. In December 2005, even some resentment of Honiara for instance, Western Province Pre- elites trying to run the show again” mier Alex Lokopio stated his prov- (Solomon Star, 31 January 2005). ince’s disappointment with the central In the other provinces, there were government’s delay in tabling the attempts to bring people together to draft federal constitution. He said reflect on what had happened and that the Western Provincial Govern- map out paths into the future. The ment “believes that State Government Guadalcanal and Western provinces, is a prerequisite for peace and pros- for example, organized leaders sum- perity and seeks it as a matter for mits to discuss issues important to survival” (sibc News, 7 Dec 2005). their respective provinces. The On the other hand, individuals and Guadalcanal Province Leaders organizations such as the Ma‘asina Summit in February brought together Forum were opposed to the proposed more than 100 participants, and after- federal system. wards the provincial government pro- Apart from the political dramas, duced a document called “The Way 2005 was also dominated by the con- Forward,” aimed at setting direction tinuing efforts to restore and maintain political reviews • melanesia 427 law and order and strengthen state as demanding money with menaces, capacity. There was widespread recog- false pretenses, inciting others to nition of the fragility of the law and commit arson, arson, and corruption. order situation. This was fatally They included Minister for Agricul- demonstrated by the shooting of ture Alex Bartlett, Minister of Provin- Adam Dunning, a twenty-six-year-old cial Government Clement Rojumana, Australian police officer, on the out- Minister for Police and Justice skirts of Honiara in December 2004. Michael Maina, Minister for Health As part of the attempt to restore Benjamin Una, and Minister of law and order and ensure the preva- Finance Francis Zama. All except lence of justice, there were calls for Bartlett were released on bail. the instigators of the social unrest to The arrests of these cabinet minis- be brought before the courts. While ters signaled a new era in Solomon people appreciated the good work Islands political history—it was the that the Regional Assistance Mission first time that cabinet ministers have had done, there was a perception that ever been arrested and charged for they had not brought the “big fish” to corruption while in office. Many ordi- justice and had not addressed the root nary citizens hailed it as a step in the causes of the social unrest. Former right direction and there was hope Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, that other “big fish” would eventually for example, said that “this country be caught. In fact, as late as March will be the same again unless these 2006, during a public forum at the people are brought to justice” (Solo- Auki Market and Malu‘u on Malaita mon Star, 21 Dec 2004). Bishop Terry to mark the visit of a ramsi delega- Brown also raised similar concerns, tion led by Special Coordinator James saying that during the civil unrest Batley, people expressed the desire to “many political and business figures see the “big fish” arrested (Solomon were involved in some potentially Star, 27 March 2006). criminal behavior” (sibc News, 9 Feb Cabinet ministers were not the 2005). There were also allegations only “big fish” caught by the law in that Prime Minister Kemakeza was 2005. Prominent lawyer and Malaita involved in criminal activities and Eagle Force (mef) leader Andrew should therefore be charged. Kema- Nori was arrested in April 2005 and keza, however, insisted that he was charged (along with other prominent innocent and the police stated that mef leaders) with the misuse of si$5 they had nothing to charge him with. million (us$980,000) paid to the Despite the police statement, through- Malaita Province as compensation out 2005 certain individuals contin- during the height of the social unrest. ued to demand that Kemakeza be Another prominent figure who found investigated and charged. himself on the wrong side of the law While the prime minister was never was Ezekiel Alebua, a former prime charged, some of his cabinet ministers minister and premier for Guadalcanal were not as fortunate. By the end of Province. He was arrested in August 2005, five cabinet ministers had been 2005 and charged with four counts of arrested and charged for crimes such larceny relating to money paid to the 428 the contemporary pacific • 18:2 (2006)
Guadalcanal Province, also during the tion of funds in the fisheries and period of social unrest. forestry departments. Through these In the meantime, the courts were reports, ordinary Solomon Islanders processing cases relating to other for the first time caught a glimpse of “high-profile” individuals like Harold what they had always suspected was Keke, Jimmy “Rasta” Lusibaea, happening in government depart- Andrew Te‘e, Moses Su‘u, and others ments. There was public outcry for who had been arrested in the previous those responsible to be either disci- two years. The highlight of early 2005 plined or charged. court cases was the trial of Harold On the economic front, in Novem- Keke, Ronnie Cawa, and Francis Lela ber 2005 Central Bank Governor Rick for the murder of the former cabinet Hou reminded everyone that eco- minister and member of Parliament nomic recovery would continue to be for South Guadalcanal, Fr Augustine a difficult challenge. He said that the Qeve. In March the three were sen- growth of the past year was not tenced to life in prison. Another case enough to make up for the economic that attracted a lot of public interest decline of the previous five years. concerned the murder of six Melane- Further, the country faced challenges sian Brothers of the Church of Mela- such as rapid population growth, nesia. In October 2005, Ronnie Cawa, narrow export base, and the risk of Owen Isa, and Joses Kejoa were high inflation. Hou also pointed out found guilty in this case. The trial for that rising oil prices posed risks to the murder of Selwyn Saki, a former inflation, and excess liquidity posed leader of the Isatabu Freedom Move- potential risk to external reserves, ment, continued into 2006. inflation, and government debt, Apart from law and order issues, which could threaten sustainability 2005 also witnessed public-sector (sibc News, 2 Nov 2005). reforms aimed at strengthening the To address some of the economic public service and making it more challenges, the government pushed efficient and effective. There was par- to reopen two of the major income- ticular emphasis on the Inland Rev- generating industries on Guadalcanal: enue Department, and accountability the oil palm plantation on the Guadal- institutions such as the Auditor Gen- canal Plains and the Gold Ridge gold eral’s Office, the Leadership Code mine in Central Guadalcanal. The Commission, and the Ombudsman’s Papua New Guinea–based New Brit- Office. By the end of 2005, efforts to ain Oil Palm Limited subsequently strengthen these institutions seemed signed an agreement to invest in the to be paying off. Inland Revenue was palm oil plantation. A company collecting more returns than it had in called the Guadalcanal Plains Palm the previous two years, and there was Oil Limited (gppol) was established, a push to improve the tax system and and by the end of 2005 work had enforce existing tax regulations. In begun clearing the plantation and late 2005 the Auditor General put out rebuilding infrastructure destroyed two reports that revealed extensive during the social unrest. However, mismanagement and misappropria- the operation suffered a major set- political reviews • melanesia 429 back when on 8 February 2006 the tion scheme, recording a loss of more newly built gppol office at Tetere than si$52 million (us$10.2 million) was burned. Despite this, the com- in 2004; and the ongoing strike at pany was determined to continue the Russell Islands Plantation Estates with the project. Limited (ripel) in the Central Islands The reopening of the Gold Ridge Province. Workers throughout the mine was, however, much slower and country were angered to learn of the complicated by landowner demands npf’s losses and were concerned that for renegotiation of the mining they could lose their life’s savings. In agreement, which had been signed the meantime, ripel workers were with the previous owner of the mine, on strike for most of 2005, inciting Ross Mining. The new owner was heated debates between the govern- an Australian consortium known ment, the union, and the owners of as Australia Solomons Gold. By the the estate. The strike has continued end of 2005 negotiations were still into 2006 and is likely to influence continuing. election outcomes. The proposal for the establishment In spite of all the difficulties that of the Auluta Palm Oil plantation on the country has faced in the last cou- East Malaita was extensively dis- ple of years, my spirit is always lifted cussed in 2005. Negotiation with by the general sense of optimism landowning groups had been going among Solomon Islanders, however on for sometime, and there was wide- cautious they might be. It is always spread support from the Malaita great to see people gather, chew betel Provincial Government and land- nut, reflect on what has happened, owning groups in the area. However, and map ways forward. At all levels by the beginning of 2006 on-the- of society, people are working to heal ground work on the plantation had the wounds of the social unrest. This not yet started. There were calls for optimism and work in mending rela- the government that will take office tionships and rebuilding communities after the April 2006 election to make must be identified and nurtured by this project a priority. those wanting to help Solomon In the meantime, traditional Islands. While the bigger picture of industries such as forestry and the nation-state is important, it is fisheries continued to be important. these communities that provide the Also significant was the role of small- foundation for the larger entity. scale farmers in villages around the The April 2006 election brings country. Indeed, the governor of the cautious hope that the country will Central Bank commented in 2004 enter a new era. During this era, that the growth of the economy in assistance from Solomon Islands’ 2003 was attributable to the contri- neighbors, such as that demonstrated butions of small-scale farmers. by the Regional Assistance Mission, The year had its share of public will continue to be important. In controversies. The most prominent helping, however, outsiders must involved the National Provident Fund ensure that they do not take over the (npf), the country’s only superannua- agenda. Rather, they should provide 430 the contemporary pacific • 18:2 (2006) the space for Solomon Islanders to set In national politics, the year began their own agenda and plot the course with Ham Lini as prime minister of a to the future. This will ensure that the newly formed government. Ham Lini good work that has been done so far is a relative newcomer to national is sustained and will avoid continuing politics, only assuming a leadership dependence on neighbors. Those role in National United Party (nup) wanting to help must be aware that following the death of his brother Solomon Islanders could easily say, in 1999. He gained the position of “Sapos yu laik duim, olsem yu duim, prime minister in December 2004, mi lukluk” (If you want to do it, then after a no-confidence vote in the you do it and I’ll watch). short-lived government that had tarcisius tara kabutaulaka been formed following the July 2004 elections, led by Serge Vohor (Union of Moderate Parties, or ump). References While there was some talk that this sibc News. Solomon Islands Broadcasting was “Vanuatu’s Lini legacy revived” Corporation. (PVPO, 14 Dec 2004), Ham Lini is operating in an environment more Solomon Star. Honiara. Daily. political than the one that existed for his brother, Father Walter Hadye Lini, in the years following inde- pendence. Vanuatu Father Lini, who was prime min- Vanuatu celebrated its twenty-fifth ister from 1980 to 1991, operated year of independence in 2005. How- under what was basically a two-party ever, it has largely been “business as system. He led a Vanua‘aku Party usual” on the political front, with the (vp) government. The primary oppo- normal morass of personal or person- sition was the ump, which had its ality-based politicking, leavened by a roots in a collection of several small number of scandals. There was some francophone parties. Following the instability in the national government 1987 election, only three parties— and some political parties, and a vp, ump, and the Fren Melanesian number of management issues arose Party (which had one seat)—were in various state institutions, but 2005 represented in Parliament. However, was not as turbulent as some recent 1987 marked the beginning of the years have been. It has, however, been change to a political system in which a year of complexity. Maneuverings many small parties vie for power, within and between parties have and coalition government is now the affected both local (municipal) and rule rather than the exception. After national politics, and local politics Father Lini suffered a stroke in 1987, has affected national politics as well. others began to challenge his leader- Various state-owned enterprises have ship. In 1988 Barak Sope broke from also had their composition affected the vp to form the Melanesian Pro- as the political fortunes of various gressive Party (mpp), and in 1991 parties have changed. Donald Kalpokas replaced Lini as political reviews • melanesia 431 the prime minister and vp leader. out one of the main coalition part- This prompted Father Lini to split ners, nup. The gc/ump/vp agree- from vp and form the nup. Since ment was later trumped by a second then, the number of parties has pro- agreement between nup, vp, the Van- liferated and the number represented uatu Republican Party (vrp) and the in Parliament has gradually grown, National Community Association from six parties following the 1991 (nca), which gave the position of election to ten parties (plus nine mayor to vp (VDP, 11 Nov 2005). independent candidates) following The ousting of gc from the govern- the 2004 election. ment created a potentially powerful Ham Lini’s coalition at the begin- gc/ump opposition. Despite the ning of 2005 represented eleven par- various reshuffles, the Ham Lini–led ties. Essentially a line was drawn government managed to survive two between ump in opposition, and proposed no-confidence motions in everyone else in a coalition govern- 2004. It continues to govern into ment. Lini gained the position of 2006, although rumors of further prime minister on 11 December 2004, no-confidence votes and reshuffles but his position was far from stable, continue. and by 31 December there were The shifting sands that have char- already media reports of planned acterized the nature of the coalition reshuffles to try to accommodate all have also been reflected within the the coalition partners. Throughout larger political parties, particularly the year there were a number of nup and vp, where a superficial changes in the cabinet and alterations glance may suggest that a cohesive to the coalition. The most significant party exists, but closer examination of these occurred in November, reveals rifts and many shifts of when then Finance Minister Moana allegiance. Carcasses Kalosil was removed from From the beginning of 2005 it cabinet and the Greens Confederation was apparent that a power struggle (gc) removed from the coalition between Ham Lini and Willy Jimmy (VDP, 15 Nov 2005). This split was was occurring, when Jimmy was not brought about in part because gc present at Lini’s swearing in as prime was gaining increasing power and minister (Independent, 9 Jan 2005). demanding additional seats in cabinet In January Jimmy claimed that a (Independent, 28 Aug 2005; VDP, reshuffle putting nup, ump, and the 26 Sept 2005). A second factor in this Greens Confederacy (gc) into govern- split was related to political maneu- ment had been promised, and that if vering for the position of lord mayor it did not take place he and a block of Port Vila. gc had signed an agree- of five or six other nup members of ment with vp and the opposition ump Parliament would move to Vanuatu that was to give the position of mayor National Party (vnp), which had been to ump and the position of deputy formed by Dinh Van Than after dis- mayor to gc, to be rotated after two agreements with Lini (Independent, years. This effectively placed gc in 11 Jan 2005). While Jimmy did not alliance with the opposition and shut split from nup, tensions again sur- 432 the contemporary pacific • 18:2 (2006) faced at the nup national congress prime minister. At the Lingarak con- at Motalava in October. Two lists of gress a motion to oust the old execu- people were eligible to vote for execu- tive was passed, but vp Honorary tive. Because of this, nup Chairman President Kalpokas then declared Meto Chilia said he “decided to sus- the vote invalid due to irregularities. pend the congress for a few hours to The friction within vp led Natapei to allow the former executive to meet dissolve Parliament in 2004 in order and have a compromise decision to avoid a vote of no confidence that before proceeding to the election of would have been supported by a the new executive” (PVPO, 25 Oct number of vp members of Parliament. 2005). However, Lini used his power Numerous legal challenges arose con- as president to let the elections go cerning the vp leadership and who ahead. Willie Jimmy and his support- would be permitted to use the vp ers walked out and Lini was reelected name during the national election. president (PVPO, 18 Oct 2005). There While the court ruled that both was some talk that the decision at the parties would be permitted to use Motalava congress would be chal- the vp name, ultimately most of the lenged in court, and that Lini would Kalpokas faction stood under the use this incident as an excuse to drop Vanua K Group banner. Jimmy from the cabinet. Despite It was hoped that the 2005 Con- these rumors, Lini did not shuffle gress would see a reunification of vp. Jimmy out of cabinet, which would However, factions were still running have created a deep rift within nup, to court immediately prior to the elec- and instead he publicly confirmed tion in order to “set up ways to con- Jimmy’s place as a minister, stating trol registration of sub-committees to the media, “I still need him in my having the right to attend the party’s government” (PVPO, 25 Oct 2005). congress as required by the internal Jimmy subsequently benefited from regulations of the party” (PVPO, 23 gc’s removal from the governing Aug 2005). Despite fears that pre- coalition, assuming the position of Congress court maneuverings might minister of finance after Carcasses be an ill omen for chances of recon- was shuffled out in November (VDP, ciliation, the Congress did achieve at 12 Nov 2005). least some degree of finality in who Similar irregularities in voting and leads vp, when Natapei was elected power plays between senior members president (VDP, 1 Sept 2005). How- of vp were largely responsible for ever, the executive does not contain causing the rift that is still continuing. any representatives from the “old These problems became apparent at guard” (VDP, 2 Sept 2005), so long- the vp congress held at Lingarak in term harmony within vp is still in October 2003. Voting on the vp exec- some doubt. utive split the party between the “old There was also more than a hint guard,” which includes Kalpokas, of vote buying by the Natapei camp. Sela Molisa, Joe Natuman, and Jack- Harry Iauko, “the architect of the leen Reuben Titek, and the supporters re-election of Natapei” (VDP, 25 Sept of Edward Natapei, who was then 2005), was appointed vp secretary- political reviews • melanesia 433 general. It appears he had made a and Iauko, politicking on the munici- number of promises to various people pal level has affected national politics. in return for votes. One was that The operation of the pvmc has in Daniel Bule be appointed Chair and itself also been a major political story others be appointed to the board of in 2005. The position of lord mayor the Vanuatu Maritime Authority is determined by voting by the pvmc. (vma). These appointments were In December 2004, Joseph Aron of referred to the Supreme Court by the vp replaced Patrick Crowby Mana- vma. The court halted the appoint- rewo of nup, who had held the may- ments, as correct procedure had not oral position for a number of years. been followed and the new appointees While this vote was initially chal- did not have the statutorily required lenged on the grounds of procedural experience within the shipping indus- irregularities (PVPO, 20 Dec 2004), try (VDP, 21 Sept 2005). Aron’s election was later confirmed as Hostilities between Iauko and Min- having taken place properly (PVPO, 23 ister for Internal Affairs George Wells Dec 2004). Crowby was subsequently also broke out after Wells terminated appointed government spokesman, in twenty-one employees of the Port Vila consolation for losing his position as Municipal Council (pvmc) as part of mayor (PVPO, 6 Jan 2006). Although a redundancy exercise (VDP, 19 Sept the vp-led overthrow of Crowby did 2005). The redundancies came after a create some tension between vp and number of inquiries into mismanage- nup (Independent, 27 Feb 2005), this ment within the council. Reports of did not have any serious effect on the mismanagement resulted in the coalition government. suspension of the council and the Aron soon suspended Town Clerk appointment of former Ombudsman Madeleine Tom and Deputy Town Hannington Alatoa as commissioner. Clerk Fatané Sope, replacing them Alatoa had the unenviable job of with vp supporters (PVPO, 5 Jan trying to bring order to the council. 2005), although the appointment of Some of those terminated under the the new town clerk was subsequently redundancy package were “key Nata- canceled because correct procedure pei supporters” (VDP, 26 Sept 2005), had not been followed (PVPO, 18 July and Iauko demanded their reinstate- 2005). By the end of January the ment. Wells refused and threatened to 14-member council was reduced to leave vp and join nup if the termi- 9 members, with 4 members being nated workers were reinstated (VDP, suspended for failing to attend three 25 Sept 2005). Ultimately Iauko did consecutive meetings (PVPO, 25 Jan not get his way, and Wells remained 2005; 11 Feb 2005), and Crowby with vp, although it remains to be resigning (PVPO, 25 Jan 2005). seen whether Iauko can retain his It soon became apparent that the influence within vp, having failed to suspension of Tom and Fatané Sope deliver on various promises. was not solely politically motivated As we have seen, from both the and that there had been significant ousting of gc from the coalition gov- mismanagement within the pvmc. ernment and friction between Wells Sope’s status was resolved early when 434 the contemporary pacific • 18:2 (2006) he was terminated for misconduct, and gc gaining three seats apiece. having continued to access and The remaining two seats were taken remove pvmc papers despite his by vrp and the nca (PVPO, 3 Nov suspension (PVPO, 25 Jan 2005). In a 2005). As discussed earlier, because report into allegations of embezzle- there was no clear leader among the ment within the pvmc, it became political parties, a period of negotia- apparent that there were at least tion and coalition building ensued. sufficient grounds for a reasonable During this process ump and gc suspicion of wrongdoing by Tom aligned, eventually resulting in gc (PVPO, 29 March 2005). Crowby being ousted from the governing was also implicated in this report. coalition. Ultimately a coalition of The report also alleged that Tom had nup, vp, vrp, and nca was formed, been recruited illegally, had improp- and vp’s Paul Avock elected mayor erly employed her son in the pvmc, (VDP, 12 Nov 2005). However, a and had used the pvmc to purchase number of elected councilors may building materials for her private not remain in place for very long. use (PVPO, 4 April 2005). While Tom Wells stated that councilors with refuted these claims, Aron requested money owing to the pvmc had until that the minister for internal affairs 30 November to settle their debts or terminate her (PVPO, 25 April 2005). their seats would be vacated. Whether Tom was not terminated, but as or not this occurs appears to depend various allegations of wrongdoing on whether there is sufficient money within the pvmc came to light, Wells to hold a by-election (VDP, 8 Nov took the step of suspending the pvmc 2005). and appointing former Ombudsman The Port Vila Municipal Council Hannington Alatoa as commissioner. was not alone in undergoing difficul- While Alatoa was commissioner, ties, however. The Luganville Muni- further reports detailing misappropri- cipal Council (lmc) town clerk was ation of funds and mismanagement terminated for misconduct in January came to light. Not only was there after loaning money to someone out- misappropriation under Crowby’s side of the lmc in contravention of regime, and unpaid property taxes direct orders from the director of of more than 280 million vatu (PVPO, internal affairs (PVPO, 27 Jan 2005). 20 Sept 2005), but under Aron’s lead- The lmc itself was suspended in ership more than 6 million vatu in March (PVPO, 22 March 2005), and illegal allowances had been paid to Paul Hakwa was appointed as com- councilors in the first eight months of missioner for a period of twelve 2005 (Independent, 15 Oct 2005). months. The lmc was reported to The elections for the new pvmc be in debt by almost 30 million vatu, saw a record 177 candidates stand. including 4.5 million in cash advances However, voter turnout was only 51 that had not been repaid. It was esti- percent. Crowby was reelected and mated that 9 million vatu was owed Aron lost his position. Seats were to creditors, and that outstanding fairly evenly divided among the main debtors owed the lmc approximately political parties, with ump, nup, vp, 10 million vatu (Independent, 24 political reviews • melanesia 435
April 2005). The minister for internal While Bong was reinstated in April affairs stated that it was his intention 2005 (Independent, 17 April 2005), to first get the affairs of the lmc in Diniro was not, and was formally order, then tackle those of the pvmc, removed as commissioner by the before turning to the Sanma Provin- president on 16 June (Independent, cial Council, which is facing similar 1 July 05). There was dissatisfaction allegations of gross financial misman- among the police with Caulton’s lead- agement (Independent, 20 March ership, along with stories of intended 2005). mass resignations, brought about by A number of state-owned enter- a combination of low pay, no incen- prises and state institutions found tives, and lack of confidence in the themselves in the news again in 2005. leadership of the force (Independent, Foremost among these were the 1 May 2005). There were also calls police, the Vanuatu Maritime from within the force for Caulton to Authority, and Air Vanuatu. resign and be replaced by Aru Mara- The year 2005 again saw the Vanu- lau (PVPO, 24 May 2005). Despite atu Police Force struggling with issues this, Caulton continued in his acting of leadership. In 2004 Robert Diniro position, although he suffered a had been suspended as commissioner hiccup in November when the Police of police, and Joshua Bong had been Services Commission removed him suspended as commander of the from his post and appointed Vanuatu Vanuatu Mobile Force following an Military Forces Major Kalshem attempted arrest of then Prime Minis- Bongram in his place (VDP, 26 Nov ter Serge Vohor (VDP, 14 Sept 2004). 2005). Caulton filed for judicial As a side note, the Commission of review in court, on the grounds that Enquiry that was appointed to look only the president could terminate into potential improper motives him (VDP, 1 Dec 2005), and the presi- behind this attempted arrest finally dent later confirmed that Caulton made its report to the government at would remain as acting police com- the end of May 2005 (Independent, missioner until terminated by the 29 May 2005). The inquiry cost more head of state (VDP, 6 Dec 2005). than 1.2 million vatu (us$10,500), While the position of acting com- excluding court costs (Independent, 23 missioner has not been without con- Jan 2005), and the report has never troversy, the government has been been made public. In December the slow to appoint a new commissioner, Public Prosecutor’s Office was in part due to difficulties within the ordered to pay Serge Vohor over 2 Police Services Commission, and in million vatu in court costs arising part due to debate about whether the from the criminal charges that had new commissioner should be a for- been filed against him, precipitating eigner. The government appeared to the attempted arrest (VDP, 3 Dec be committed to appointing a foreign 2005). police commissioner, in order to bring Arthur Caulton was appointed stability to the police (Independent, acting commissioner of the police in 12 June 2005), although the idea of a 2004 following these suspensions. foreigner in a top public service posi- 436 the contemporary pacific • 18:2 (2006) tion was not without controversy, and money through their own mismanage- was opposed by a number of people. ment should bear the costs of their No progress in appointing anyone errors. Willie Jimmy was particularly permanently to the position had been well reported on this issue, stating in made by the end of the year. By early the media “that the vma is a classic 2006 applications for a local police example of the people holding high commissioner had been sought, on the positions at statutory bodies who grounds that the Constitution states draft their contracts themselves to that only citizens of Vanuatu should suit themselves. Those people should be appointed to Vanuatu. Because of have to face the consequences and this, “This senior police force position pay compensation claims instead of should only be given to an expatriate giving the burden to those institutions if no one among the applicants is a they penalise” (PVPO, 25 Oct 2005). suitable candidate” (PVPO, 1 Feb This position was turned around in 2006). October, when the Ministry of Public The Vanuatu Maritime Authority Utilities reached an out-of-court set- was not only in the news due to polit- tlement of 35 million vatu with the ical interference in appointments to owner of the Southern Star. The the board, as discussed earlier. As has matter arose after the Southern Star become normal for this institution, it had an insurance claim with qbe was also embroiled in a number of Insurance declined, in part because other controversies. In 2005 the vma of wrongful information provided by was the subject of an ombudsman’s Timbaci (who at the time was acting report, which recommended that vma commissioner) that the captain vma Chair Christopher Emelee be and chief engineer were not properly prosecuted for recruiting a foreigner qualified. Current vma Commissioner without acquiring the correct work Less John Napuati was not slow to permits (PVPO, 18 Oct 2005). This, point out that it was unfortunate that however, was the least of the vma’s an individual’s professional negligence worries. As detailed in previous Vanu- was costing the country money (VDP, atu political reviews, there have been 19 Nov 2005). issues with staffing and membership In May, Napuati, along with of the vma board for a number of Emelee, former vma advisor Guy years. Over the last two years, costs Bernard, former vma board member from illegal terminations have cost John Simbolo, and former Minister the vma around 20 million vatu, for Fisheries Stephen Kalsakau, must with Marie Noelle Ferrieux Patterson have breathed a sigh of relief when being awarded just over 10 million the case against them for conspiring vatu in 2004 and Bani Timbaci being to defeat the course of justice was awarded almost 10 million vatu in struck down by the Supreme Court September 2005, although the pay- because of prosecution delays. This ment to Timbaci was later reduced to case, which has been detailed in previ- about 5 million vatu on appeal. This ous Vanuatu political reviews, arose created the interesting response that after the crews of two fishing vessels people who cost the government were arrested for fishing in Vanuatu political reviews • melanesia 437 waters without a license, but subse- ment source” (PVPO, 18 July 2005). quently apparently backdated licenses Iauko was soon reinstated. were produced. However, in June the More disruptive has been the pro- Court of Appeal overturned the gressive strike actions by Air Vanuatu Supreme Court decision, and by the staff who are members of the Vanuatu close of 2005 the trial was still pro- National Workers Union (vnwu). ceeding (Public Prosecutor v Emelee). The initial grievances that sparked a The embattled vma has struck back long and drawn-out industrial action by suing the police and the Fisheries are unclear. A brief timeline is as Department for 12 million vatu in follows: On August 12 the minister wharfage fees that arose when a Chi- for internal affairs made an order that nese vessel was seized by officials and no industrial actions take place for a kept in custody for over 300 days period of two months, while concilia- pending trial (VDP, 27 Oct 2005). tion took place (VDP, 9 Dec 2005). Air Vanuatu is another institution Despite this, some Air Vanuatu staff that is no stranger to controversy. did go out on strike. In early Septem- The latest round began when the Air ber, 26 Air Vanuatu staff were termi- Vanuatu and Vanair boards again nated. All these were union members; remerged at the beginning of 2005 however the termination is legal (pir, 10 Jan 2005). A large board, because proper termination allow- which eventually numbered close to ances were paid out (VDP, 6 Sept thirty, was appointed to manage the 2005). Air Vanuatu ceo Terry Kerr airline. In January 2005, Chief Execu- later said that the terminations were tive Jean-Paul Virelala and Marketing part of ongoing restructuring, and Manager Joseph Laloyer were both that this would save Air Vanuatu 30 terminated, apparently to make way million vatu per year (VDP, 24 Sept for political appointees. As a result of 2005). In October another 4 staff these terminations, Air Vanuatu was from the finance department were sued by Virelala for 74 million vatu terminated, again as part of restruc- and by Laloyer for 50 million vatu turing (VDP, 22 Oct 2005). By the end (PVPO, 22 Feb 2005). In an odd twist, of November, staff of Air Vanuatu Laloyer was subsequently reinstated and Vanuatu Abattoirs Ltd, which in order to avoid unbudgeted termina- has also been rocked by strike actions tion costs. This apparently resulted in throughout the year, gathered to the termination of Henry Iauko as picket (VDP, 29 Nov 2005). The chair of the Board of Management picket action was discontinued for Air Vanuatu, by Utilities Minister following (untrue) rumors that police Maxime Carlot. It was reported in the had been given permission to carry media that “the decision of Minister arms (VDP, 30 Nov 2005). In early Carlot was purely personal. ‘Minister December, another 16 staff members Carlot had promised to put out were terminated (Independent, 3 Dec Laloyer if ever he got back into 2005). Picketing again resumed, power because he had refused to resulting in 48 people being arrested include Carlot on a particular Port and charged with unlawful assembly Vila–Nouméa flight,’ said [a] govern- (VDP, 10 Dec 2005). 438 the contemporary pacific • 18:2 (2006)
This issue continues unresolved vide us$66 million, primarily to be into 2006. It is of grave concern to used for the construction of roads. the tourism industry, as flights have The agreement is to be signed in early been adversely affected. vnwu’s 2006 (VDP, 19 Nov 2005). Vanuatu growing power (and, some might has also been ruled eligible to apply say, its irresponsible exercise of that for further funding in the 2006 mcc power) is also of concern to all busi- funding round. nesses in Vanuatu. At least one long- anita jowitt standing business that provided staff with benefits in excess of the statutory minimums has closed down in 2005 References due to pressure placed on it by the Independent. Weekly. Port Vila. vnwu. There are a number of potentially pir, Pacific Islands Report. volatile issues that continue to fester