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POLITICAL REVIEW. MELANESIA 4°1

Melanesia in Review: Issues and Events, I990

cemented the new political order ush­ FIJI ered in by the military coups of 1987. This was the year of the new constitu­ Its ethnic Fijian and chiefly biases were tion, promulgated by President Gami­ causes for celebration. Ian on 25 July 1990. For those unable to The new constitution was perhaps keep count, this was Draft Four of a the high-point for the Interim Govern­ document originally drawn up in 1988. ment in a year that saw the consolida­ Draft One had been publicly scruti­ tion of its power and control of the nized through the work of the 1988-89 political agenda. The trend was dis­ Constitutional Enquiry and Advisory tinctly conservative, despite a con­ Committee. The resulting Manueli certed push by the labor unions to con­ Report, submitted to the Interim Gov­ front the government on a range of ernment in August 1989, formed the issues. This trend was established basis of Draft Two. The document was when the new Interim Government was further modified at the June 1990 meet­ announced in January. There were no ing ofthe Great Council of Chiefs (the new faces, and the only change was the Bose Levu Vakaturaga), when urban removal of the three army officers Fijian representation was cut and that (including Major General Rabuka) and of (eastern) rural Fijians augmented. one of the two Indo-Fijian ministers. This third draft was approved and sent In a series of actions throughout the to cabinet for final reworking. The end year, the government deftly (at times result, Draft Four, was officially ruthlessly) took on its opponents, both launched by the president a month within Fiji and abroad. It ordered the later in a lengthy address to the nation. Pacific Islands News Service (PAC­ It is expected to pave the way for par­ NEWS) and the Pacific Islands Broad­ liamentary elections in either late 1991 casting Training and Development or early 1992. Project (PACBROAD) out ofFiji in May. Two days after the promulgation of The official explanation was that these the new constitution, Interim Prime German-funded organizations had Minister Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara violated the terms of their work per­ hosted a "thanksgiving" dinner to mits. Unofficially, the expulsions were honor those public servants, business seen as government retaliation for calls people, and politicians who had made by a companion organization, assisted his government to fulfill its pri­ the Pacific Islands News Association mary objective-the adoption of a new (PINA), for greater freedom of informa­ constitution. The prime minister's tion in the Pacific Islands. This was mood was clearly one of jubilation as construed as criticism ofthe Fiji gov­ he summed up the political situation in ernment's treatment of journalists, Fiji: "It's all over, bar the shouting." especially the foreign press. Indeed, to the Interim Government A second offensive by the govern­ and its supporters, the constitution ment was the expulsion (also in May) • 4

402 THE CONTEMPORARY PACIFIC· FALL 1991

ofthe Indian embassy staff and the clo­ matters affecting national security, to sure ofthe embassy office following the combat sedition and foreign interven­ announcement that India would launch tion, and to compile forecasts of world an international campaign against Fiji economic and political trends affecting for its treatment of Indo-Fijians. Such a Fiji. In the hands of an unaccountable campaign would include raising the Fiji government, this service could prove a issue at world forums (such as the powerful, if not dangerous, instrument United Nations Human Rights Com­ of control. Many observers have mission) and continuing to block Fiji's expressed disquiet at the implications readmission to the Commonwealth of of this decree. Nations. The embassy expulsion was The Interim Government was able the culmination of a long and increas­ to assert itself on a number of other ingly bitter feud between India and Fiji. fronts during the year. It seemed to The view from New Delhi is that Indo­ effectively silence the more radical and Fijians are victims of a racist, undemo­ militant elements of the Fijian national­ cratic regime. In November 1989 India ist (Taukei) movement. One maverick withdrew its ambassador from Suva on group, the Soqosoqo i Taukei, mus­ the grounds that it no longer recog­ tered only two hundred marchers in nized a government in Fiji. (India late June for a demonstration calling remains the only country with a formal for the expulsion from Fiji of twelve policy of nonrecognition of and non­ individuals accused of being "anti­ cooperation with the Interim Govern­ Fijian." It was later chastised by the ment). Coincidentally, this move government and president for abusing immediately preceded a Fiji decision to the term taukei. downgrade the Indian embassy to con­ The government also seemed to sular status. Fiji claims political inter­ have its way in its dealings with the ference by India in its internal affairs, army. Pressure was brought on the with allegations that the Indian govern­ army commander to cut spending after ment has provided funds to the opposi­ an auditor general's report revealed a tion Coalition. fourfold increase in the military budget A third and perhaps most sinister for the period 1987-1988. This issue offensive by the Interim Government was particularly embarrassing for the was the promulgation in September of government, given that spending on the Fiji Intelligence Service Decree. health aud education had fallen or This established a National Security remained constant. In November, the Council chaired by the prime minister, government directed the military to an Intelligence Advisory Committee, demobilize 1000 soldiers as a cost-cut­ and a Fiji Intelligence Service. The last ting measure. This will be carried out is given special powers of surveillance, over a period of two-and-a-half years. entry and search, interception of mail, In foreign relations, the Interim and the use ofelectronic listening Government scored a significant vic­ devices. Its main functions are to pro­ tory by swinging Australian and New vide information and assessments to Zealand policy toward acceptance of the National Security Council on all the new constitution. At the South POLITICAL REVIEW. MELANESIA

Pacific Forum meeting in Port Vila, concessions. However, it failed in one Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke fundamental objective, which was to declared that the Fiji constitution was force the government to hold elections better than that of many other Com­ for the Cane Growers Council-a stra­ monwealth countries, and urged the tegically vital arm ofthe sugar indus­ Coalition to contest future elections. try. Elections have been repeatedly (Admittedly, the Australian govern­ postponed by the government, largely ment has continued to pursue two poli­ because they would bring to power a cies on Fiji, much to the confusion of council politically aligned with the the Coalition). The election of the opposition Coalition. National Party to government in New The government faced most opposi­ Zealand also promised improved rela­ tion in the garment industry. Garment tions with that country. workers, who are subject to some of There was both bad and good eco­ the worst industrial conditions in Fiji, nomic news for the government. The began to organize effectively in 1990. bad news was a burgeoning trade defi­ Strike after strike drew attention cit that grew by 20 percent in 1990. to their plight and finally drew a This was accompanied by a slowing response. After repeatedly labeling the down in the export sector and a rise in industrial actions as "politically moti­ inflation. Hurricane Sina in late vated destabilization," the government November wreaked havoc with the in November published a proposed cane harvest, already suffering from order regulating conditions in the gar­ inordinate delays caused by a farmer ment industry. This order recom­ boycott and mill breakdowns. As a mended minimum conditions govern­ result, a significant loss in export earn­ ing pay, holidays, and overtime. In ings is expected in 1992. The good another move aimed at controlling news was a steady economic growth labor, the Interim Government rate of5.3 percent in 1990, with a rate announced its intention to deregulate of3.4 percent projected for 1991. Sev­ wages, while at the same time review­ eral successful trade missions pro­ ing trade union legislation to ensure moted Fiji exports within the Pacific that "unions are answerable for their region. The government also pushed actions under the law." ahead with its policies of deregulation, The two arms of the Coalition, the privatization, and a review ofthe tax Labour and National Federation par­ system. ties, jointly and separately maintained The principal challenge to the their opposition to the Interim Govern­ Interim Government in 1990 came ment's policies. Adi Kuini Bavadra, from the trade unions, but even here who succeeded her late husband Dr the government seemed to hold its Timoci Bavadra as leader ofthe Coali­ ground. The strike by cane farmers tion, made several overseas trips to over the terms ofthe new Master drum up support for her cause. A Award (governing the distribution of group of Indo-Fijians traveled to India proceeds from the export of sugar) suc­ to meet with government officials and ceeded in winning some government address public gatherings about the sit- ...... 1§ ... WUW'" ·em 4'*,+ MiiWW¥PMW titiffi*

THE CONTEMPORARY PACIFIC· FALL 1991

uation in Fiji. As with Adi Kuini's over­ ber shocked the public out of its appar­ seas missions, the message from India ent complacency. The vicious retalia­ was sympathetic but not wholly tion against the leader of this protest, encouraging: don't expect too much university lecturer Dr Anirudh Singh, and be prepared to solve your own revealed just how far the political rules problems. had changed in Fiji in the last three The survival of the Coalition as a years. It was perhaps no surprise when political force in Fiji seemed increas­ five army officers admitted to the ingly to hinge on its position regarding crime, but nor was there any surprise participation in future elections. A when the courts handed down sus­ decision to boycott elections held pended prison sentences. The general under the new constitution had been sentiment seemed to be that Dr Singh's strongly backed by separate conven­ action had invited the abduction and tions ofthe National Federation and torture, and that this somehow made Labour parties. However, it was ques­ the crime excusable. tionable how much grassroots support As Fiji passed its twentieth anniver­ such a boycott would generate, and a sary of independence and entered the move to reactivate the Labour party's 1990S, many troubling questions educational program (Operation Sun­ clouded the horizon. The prime minis­ rise) was taken in November. Concern ter's optimistic assessment that all was mounted that the Coalition risked now over "bar the shouting" could becoming completely irrelevant if it hardly have been more misplaced. For boycotted future elections, especially Ratu Mara, it may well be over soon. with the emergence ofpolitical parties He has indicated his intention to step committed to working with the new down as prime minister once elections constitution. are held, and to serve in an "unelected" The formation of a General Voters' position. This may be the post of presi­ party in late 1990 aimed to unite all dent. No clear successor to Ratu Mara those who were neither ethnic Fijian has emerged, although Major General nor Indo-Fijian. Meanwhile a section Rabuka has declared his desire to ofthe Indo-Fijian community calling occupy the position. itself the Group of Moderate Indians The future of Fiji under the new pledged its support for the Interim constitution remains acutely problem­ Government in a meeting with Major atic. Confusion reigns over the precise General Rabuka. While posturing as interpretation of the clauses of the doc­ "new generation" political groupings, ument, even among its architects. Not­ both these groups seemed to be off­ withstanding the unambiguous dis­ shoots ofthe former Alliance party crimination against Indo-Fijians and machinery. They inspired little excite­ those of other races, the implications ment and certainly represented no chal­ for ethnic Fijians (especially Fijians liv­ lenge to the Interim Government. ing in urban areas) are disturbing. The burning of the new constitution Moreover, many Fijians may find at a gathering of Indo-Fijians on the themselves unable to vote because of Hindu holiday of Diwali in late Octo- the incomplete state ofthe Fijian regis- POLITICAL REVIEW. MELANESIA

ter, the Vola ni kawa bula. And, as sale ofSociete miniere du sud Pacifique judicial commentators have noted, the was completed in October-partly constitution fails ultimately in protect­ through metropolitan government ing the inalienable political rights of funding-the North Province had set the individual. It vests most power in up an investment corporation, the an unelected president, an unaccount­ Societe de financement et de participa­ able chiefly class, and the military. tion du Nord (SOFINOR). The province The greatest paradox of this new subsequently helped finance a hotel constitution is that it cannot guarantee project in the Islands Province through the outcomes desired by its supporters. a subsidiary of its newly acquired min­ A strong, united opposition could ing company. It also created a develop­ overcome a fractious, divided Fijian ment agency to identify and assess community with the result being pre­ development projects in the province. cisely that which the coup sought to The first Conseil coutumier de Prov­ revoke. The question What then? ince (Provincial Custom Council) was requires little imagination to work set up in May, and the first aire coutu­ through. The new constitution may miere (custom area) in October. These have a rather short life-span. institutions are concerned with matters SANDRA TARTE of Kanak custom and tradition, and are represented within the territorial congress by the Conseil consultatif coutumier (Custom Consultative NEW CALEDONIA Council). They soon became active, The transfer ofpower to the provinces especially in respect to land questions. was the main focus of attention during Traditional representatives were 1990 in New Caledonia. The process of included in an Agence de developpe­ "provincialization" was supposed to ment et d'amenagementfancier have been completed by July 1989, but (ADRAF) mission to Fiji to investigate the last administrative capacities were land regulations. By the end of the not transferred from Noumea to the year, the decentralization law designed three provinces until January 1990. to strengthen municipalities in New Nine months later, the North Province Caledonia was still before the French was still not completely set up and was Parliament. operating with only 70 percent of its ADRAF, which is responsible for appointed staff, some ofwhom had buying and helping develop land, redis­ previously been based in Noumea. tributed some forty-two thousand hec­ In April, news broke of the impend­ tares between April 1989 and July 1990. ing sale of a mining company by Jac­ Over 76 percent of the total went to ques Lafleur, leader of the Rassemble­ Melanesians and 21 percent to Europe­ ment Pour la Caledonie dans la ans. These transactions were chan­ Republique (RPCR), to the North neled through provincial land commis­ Province, which is controlled by the sions and custom councils, as well as Front de Liberation Nationale Kanak through the appropriate municipal et Socialiste (FLNKS). By the time the land commissions. The municipal com- _iMfiAMMiMMn...WfHMN _fMMMMlfM ; j.W*,,,,WiidM!*!fMii,...mplmmUadMiMug.¥.'URD!ICfiII\IUP;;PkN,ign,umwNlf,w.¥, .

THE CONTEMPORARY PACIFIC· FALL 1991

missions, set up during the first half of 1988 and has frequently acted as the the year, are composed ofrepresenta­ FLNKS representative in international tives from the municipality and from forums. various occupational groups, including The election ofPaul Neaoutyne as Caldoche farmers as well as traditional FLNKS president caused some uneasi­ leaders. Noumea has been kept out of ness among uc militants, who had the process. decided that the president should be a The difficult relations between the member oftheir party. But during the component parts of the FLNKS were second congress, in the face of charges reflected in problems with selecting a of hegemony, uc leaders were willing replacement for assassinated president to compromise in the interests of unity. Jean-Marie Tjibaou and restructuring Throughout the year, there was con­ the movement. In January, a party con­ flict among independantistes in munici­ gress failed to confront these two issues palities such as Ponerihouen, Yate, but managed to reestablish internal Poum, Houai'lou, Ouvea, lIe des Pins, working relations. A second congress and Hienghene. On the island ofLifou in March resulted in the election of a dispute between the high chieftain­ Paul Neaoutyne, from the Parti de lib­ ship of Gaica and the Islands Province eration kanak (PALIKA), as president, resulted in the provincial staff being and Rock Wamytan, from the Union locked out for a whole week in caledonienne (uc), as vice-president October. with responsibility for international The annual congress of the Union relations. progressiste melanesienne, held in Paul Neaoutyne was born in 1951, October, and those of PALIKA and uc holds a DEA degree in economics, is a in November, revealed uncertainties former professor, and has been an and disagreements about the function­ important member of PALIKA. After ing of the FLNKS, as well as the imple­ serving as Tjibaou's political director mentation of the Matignon Accord. in the northern region from 1985 to Frans:ois Burck was reelected president 1988, he was elected mayor ofPoin­ of the UC. Verbal skirmishes during the dimie in 1989 and later became a mem­ year between the Union oceanienne ber ofthe provincial council. Rock (uo) and the RPCR, resulted from the Wamytan also was born in 1951 and efforts ofthe uo to attract Wallisian holds an economics degree. A former voters away from the RPCR. The uo assistant to parliament member Rock claims that Wallisian interests are Pidjot, he became chief civil servant in bypassed by the terms of the Matignon 1979, then director of such rural devel­ Accord, but is portrayed by the RPCR opment services as FADIL in 1979 and as just another part of the "third force" ODIL in 1983. In 1987 he was appointed being encouraged by the socialist gov­ to the Central Region. In 1989, he was ernment. elected to both the South Province On the international front, Austra­ Council and the Mont Dore Municipal lian Prime Minister Bob Hawke made Council. He has been a member of the his first official visit to New Caledonia executive commission of the uc since in July and met with Louis Le Pensec, POLITICAL REVIEW. MELANESIA

French minister for the Departements established pattern and vote against the et territoires d'outre-mer (DaM-ToM). socialists. He and Jacques Lafleur sup­ In the same month, the FLNKS attended ported a motion of censure against the the South Pacific Forum meeting in Rocard government in November. The Vanuatu, after earlier participating in RPCR deputy for New Caledonia, the Melanesian Spearhead group meet­ Maurice Nenou, voted against the ing in March. In November, the Gen­ motion, which was narrowly defeated eral Assembly of the United Nations by five votes. adopted a resolution on decolonization PATRICK PILLON that included New Caledonia. A dramatic increase in industrial strife during 1990 at times forcibly PAPUA NEW GUINEA demonstrated the differences between the Union syndicale des ouvriers et des The secessionist crisis in Bougainville employes de Nouvelle-Caledonie continued to dominate events in Papua (USOENC) and the Union syndicale des New Guinea during 1990. It put travailleurs kanak etexploites (USTKE). unprecedented strain on the constitu­ As a result, a local Code ofWork Reg­ tional order and precipitated an eco­ ulations should be promulgated soon. nomic downturn that forced some fun­ Economic growth, fueled by the damental changes in development exceptional performance ofthe mining policy. The crisis also exposed Papua sector in 1989, slowed to a more nor­ New Guinea to intense international mal level during the first half of the scrutiny from aid donors, investors, year. But the economy remained buoy­ human rights groups, and neighboring ant, as witnessed by the gross profit of countries. Despite the gravity ofthe sit­ 21.7 billion CFP reported by the Societe uation, national politics remained as Ie Nickel (SLN) for the first half of volatile as ever. Prime Minister Rabbie 1990. In spite of a thirty-six-day strike Namaliu faced several attempts to and a slump in the value of the us dol­ unseat him during the year and sur­ lar, the results for the second half ofthe vived only by some skillful, but highly year were expected to be as good. With controversial, maneuvering. the DaM-TOM still a budget priority of By the end of 1989 it was abundantly the central government for 1991, the clear that the national government's prospects for funding from metropoli­ Bougainville peace initiative had failed tan France were good. In November, to win the support ofFrancis Ona and the DaM-TOM budget was increased by the leaders ofthe Bougainville Revolu­ 5.4 percent to 2.17 billion French tionary Army (BRA). They had francs. Ofthis, 588.39 million was allo­ declined to take part in the peace cere­ cated to New Caledonia, an increase of mony of October 1989, ignored the 10 15.3 percent. This caused some discom­ November deadline to sign the fort among representatives from other Bougainville Development Package DaM-TOM, notably Emile Vernaudon, Agreement, and continued to demand an independent deputy from French the withdrawal ofthe security forces as Polynesia, who decided to change his a prerequisite for negotiations. The .. _wi N AM' "'__'GA' diEUM'" ••,...... ' !!fri@WIWSffil!'."M'w UW"'M9"'W;-IFi"''591Am!@@J@

THE CONTEMPORARY PACIFIC· FALL 1991

prospects for such a withdrawal faded ment) to invite a team of three overseas rapidly as violence in the province esca­ mediators to Bougainville. Professor lated in December, and support in the Peter Wallensteen, head of the depart­ Namaliu cabinet swung decisively in ment of Peace and Conflict Research at favor of "the military option." Uppsala University in Sweden, was the On 12 January 1990, Parliament only one able to accept the invitation. voted in favor ofextending, for the After extensive consultation, Waller­ fourth time, the constitutional state of steen and members of the think-tank emergency first invoked in June 1989. came up with a ceasefire formula Prime Minister Namaliu said that the acceptable to the BRA and the national vote gave the government "the green government. The agreement came into light [to] rid Bougainville of this terror­ effect on 2 March and required the ist scourge," to restore peace to the government to withdraw its security province, and to reopen the Panguna forces by 16 March. For its part, the copper and gold mine, closed since BRA agreed to cease all acts of violence May 1989 (AB, 19 Jan 1990). Rather and to order its members to surrender than eliminating the BRA, however, the their arms. An international team of military offensive known as Operation observers was to monitor the imple­ Footloose unleashed a new level of vio­ mentation ofthe agreement. In a sup­ lence, destruction, and terror on plementalletter, the parties agreed to Bougainville. In the next few weeks, help restore disrupted supplies offood the BRA attacked the Panguna police and medicine to rural areas (PR, 1 Mar station, killed six people and released 1990; Avery 1990, 418-421). all the prisoners at Kuveria jail, burned The ceasefire agreement represented most government facilities outside a significant victory for the BRA. The Arawa, and forced the last ofthe large organization received official recogni­ plantations in the province to close. On tion for the first time, and all the con­ 28 February, with the death toll rising cessions were on the government's side. rapidly, no military victory in sight, the The manner of implementation national economic conditions worsen­ increased the BRA'S advantage even ing, and the March session ofParlia­ more. Apparently unhappy with the ment approaching, the national gov­ terms of the agreement, the controller ernment reached a ceasefire agreement ofthe state ofemergency, Paul Tohian, with the BRA. defied his political masters and with­ The agreement reflected the work of drew the regular police and prison a "think-tank" ofprominent Bougain­ guards as well as the military and riot villeans (including the expatriate direc­ police. This left the BRA free to set up tor of the North Solomons University its own rudimentary system oflaw and Centre, Graeme Kemelfield) who had order in Bougainville. Furthermore, actively sought ways to mediate the the hastily assembled team of "neutral conflict since late 1988. In January international observers" led by Ghana­ 1990, the group gained the approval of ian diplomat E. M. Debrah, which the provincial government (and the arrived in Bougainville just in time to concurrence ofthe national govern- see the last ofthe security forces :<,. I. '.

POLITICAL REVIEW. MELANESIA

depart, had neither the authority nor depriving Bougainvilleans of export the means to impound weapons surren­ markets for their produce as well as dered by the BRA. There may have imported supplies and services. The been an expectation that the observers sanctions were "selective" in that sup­ would playa facilitating role in subse­ plies ofmedicine and electricity to quent negotiations, but in the event the Arawa hospital were supposed to be mandate of the observers was limited maintained, but this was not in fact the to overseeing the ceasefire itself (Avery case. Except for a trickle ofgoods that 199°,420-421). continued to filter in from Solomon The ceasefire agreement did not lead Islands, the blockade was complete quickly to substantive negotiations, as and seems to have had the desired its architects had hoped. Even after the effect. In July 1990, with calls for inter­ national government abandoned national recognition unanswered, the attempts to negotiate the return of secessionists agreed to talk with a team police to Bougainville, the protagonists ofgovernment representatives, led by could not agree on a suitable venue for Foreign Minister Sir Michael Somare talks. The national government's posi­ and including Attorney-General tion received a further setback when it Bernard Narakobi, on board a New became apparent that the provincial Zealand naval ship, HMNZS Endeav­ government was no longer an autono­ our. The restoration of services proved mous force in the province. BRA Com­ to be the government's main bargain­ mander Sam Kauona indicated in ing chip at the talks (IB, Sep 1990, March 1990 that he was "not really 54-58). worried about the politicians taking The negotiations lasted eight days over, because as the saying goes when and were rescued from complete failure you have the firepower, you have the by a last-minute agreement that ability to command and control" (IB, deferred discussion of Bougainville's Apr 1990, 25). Provincial Premier political status, the issue that the Joseph Kabui apparently recognized Bougainville delegation continued to this harsh reality when he threw in his insist was non-negotiable. In return for lot with the secessionists. When the this "concession," the government "Republic of Bougainville" was agreed that "at the earliest opportunity declared independent on 17 May 1990, it would take all practical steps consis­ the "interim government" included tent with the Constitution ... to bring Kabui and other provincial politicians about the return of services to Bougain­ as well as representatives of the major ville" (TPNG, 13 Sep 1990, 16). churches. Although the Endeavour Accord was The announcement of "selective eco­ hailed as "one of the most important nomic sanctions" against Bougainville agreements to be signed by Papua New immediately after the declaration of Guinea," subsequent events demonstra­ independence formalized and ted the fragility ofthe "on-going pro­ strengthened an existing government cess of dialogue" that had been initi­ policy. The strategy was designed to ated (TPNG, 9 Aug 1990, 4)· undermine support for the BRA by After considerable delay, three ships 410 THE CONTEMPORARY PACIFIC· FALL 1991 carrying relief supplies and personnel Although the government claimed sailed into the narrow passage between that the Endeavour Accord had not Buka Island (also part of North Solo­ been violated, secessionist leaders indi­ mons Province) and Bougainville in cated in December that the complete early September. When it became withdrawal of security forces from apparent that the government intended Buka was a precondition for further to land army and police personnel on talks, that independence was still non­ Buka, ostensibly to help restore ser­ negotiable, and that they no longer vices, BRA leaders indicated that they wanted the government to restore ser­ would resist this "invasion" with force. vices. Meanwhile, reports of serious The ships and their cargoes returned to health problems in Bougainville began Rabaul after a three-day standoff. to surface, and the government faced BRA accusations that the govern­ increasing domestic and international ment was following another agenda pressure to allow supplies of food and may not have been entirely groundless. medicine into the province (SMH, 13 At the end ofSeptember, security Oct 1990). There were warnings that forces already established on Nissan the blockade was further damaging a Atoll, northwest of Bougainville, human rights record already sullied by regained control of Buka after fighting the actions ofthe security forces on that left more than twenty people dead. Bougainville in 1989 and early 1990 According to the government, the (Amnesty International 1990). operation was conducted in response The Bougainville crisis has starkly to appeals for help from the Buka Lib­ illustrated problems of staffing, train­ eration Front, a group that had been ing, and discipline in the security formed to fight the BRA. Its leaders forces. It has also demonstrated the included Sam Tulo, former member of heavy dependence ofthe Papua New the national Parliament, and James Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) on Aus­ Togel, a former senior official in the tralia, which means, according to an North Solomons Provincial Govern­ Australian Department ofDefence doc­ ment. In a memorandum of under­ ument, that Australia is "inextricably standing with the national govern­ linked with any PNGDF operation" ment, the Buka leaders rejected (Australian, 23 July 1990, 2). This was secession and condemned the BRA'S clear in September 1990 when Prime "reign ofterror and fear" (TPNG, 18 Minister Namaliu and his Australian Oct 1990, 30). They later claimed that counterpart, Bob Hawke, agreed to "the war against the BRA is now on and undertake a joint review of the role of no doubt will gather support" in other the PNGDF in light ofthe Bougainville parts of the province (TPNG, II Oct experience (TPNG, 6 Sep 1990, 5). In 199°,4). To the BRA, these actions fact, plans were already well underway were evidence that the recommenda­ to expand the military by more than a tions of the leaked "Naisy Report," thousand men (to a total of5200) by which outlined a strategy to establish 1994. Earlier in the year, Australia had zones of government control in the agreed to equip the first batch of new north and the south ofthe province, recruits, and in June the first of eighty were being implemented. Australian military instructors arrived ., :!I' II, I . II ·- t' ". " ':It .'

POLITICAL REVIEW. MELANESIA to help with training (TPNG, 21 June nity unrest for some years. Negotia­ 1990, I). tions for the development of the gold Tensions between political and secu­ project on Lihir Island in the New Ire­ rity force leaders, which have been land Province got underway in July apparent since the conflict began, 1990 and involved landowners and erupted dramatically during 1990. On provincial and national governments, 14 March, Police Commissioner Paul as well as the joint partners, Kennecott Tohian, recently reprimanded by Cabi­ and Niugini Mining. net for his handling of the withdrawal The Kutubu project, which is to of security forces from Bougainville, start extracting 100,000 barrels of oil a ordered police mobile squads to assem­ day from the Iagifu-Hedina field in the ble at Parliament to overthrow the gov­ Southern Highlands in 1992, encoun­ ernment. Some two hundred police tered a novel challenge in 1990. A local answered the radio call, but loyal offi­ company, Monticello Enterprises Pro­ cers intervened before any government prietary, whose directors include some leaders could be located. Prime Minis­ ofPapua New Guinea's most promi­ ter Namaliu later told Parliament that nent businessmen, mounted a bid to Tohian had acted impulsively while build and operate the pipeline that will under the influence of liquor. Never­ take the oil 2 70 kilometers to an export theless, Tohian was arrested and facility in the Gulf of Papua. Their pro­ charged with treason. posal was greeted by a howl of protest Early in 1990, government officials not only from various government were forced to accept that the Bougain­ departments and politicians, but also ville mine was not going to reopen in from the joint venture partners (a con­ the near future, if at all. Furthermore, sortium ofoil companies led by prices for Papua New Guinea's other Chevron), whose July 1989 agreement major export commodities (copra, gives them exclusive rights over the cocoa, and coffee) continued their pipeline (TPNG, 19 July 1990, I). In downward slide, and the stabilization July, Cabinet decided that the project funds designed to insulate primary pro­ would proceed as originally planned. ducers from world market fluctuations Early in 1990, the government de­ were becoming seriously depleted. In valued the kina by 10 percent and dealing with these economic problems, appointed a "razor gang" to cut some the government's first priority was to 100 million kina from the budget. In ensure that the Bougainville upheaval May, it sought additional help from a was not repeated at other major formidable array of international agen­ resource development projects. Efforts cies and aid donors gathered in Singa­ to address the concerns ofprovincial pore. Chaired by the World Bank, the governments and landowners contin­ third annual meeting of the Consulta­ ued during the year, particularly at the tive Group for Papua New Guinea giant Porgera gold project in the Enga offered a package of assistance for 1990 Province, which started operating in worth a total of US$7IO million, of August 1990, and at Ok Tedi in the which us$2IO million was untied budg­ Western Province, which has experi­ etary support from Australia, US$255 enced periodic industrial and commu- million was to support specific pro- ...•...... ·4& Q it e.",". ww • 'wp6t

412 THE CONTEMPORARY PACIFIC. FALL 1991

jects, and U5$245 million was to sup­ Guinea on the international front. The port the balance ofpayments (TPNG, Bougainville crisis has been of major 24 May 1990, 22). In return, the gov­ concern to the Australian government, ernment committed itself to a "struc­ and some ofthe consequent tensions tural adjustment program" that between the two countries became evi­ emphasized improvements in public dent during 1990. The low point came resource management and the promo­ in May when Australian Foreign Min­ tion of non-mining private sector ister Gareth Evans told a press confer­ investment. The first ofthese goals was ence in Port Moresby that Papua New to be achieved by cutting some five Guinea had to start taking more thousand public service positions as responsibility for solving its own prob­ well as abolishing or privatizing several lems (PR, 10 May 1990, I). Foreign government departments and agencies Minister Somare replied that outsiders, (TPNG, 19 July 1990, 25)· including Australians, should stop The second goal was to be pursued meddling in Papua New Guinea's inter­ by deregulating the private sector and nal affairs (TPNG, 10 May 1990). In offering a variety of incentives for September, the prime ministers ofthe potential investors. Most significant in two countries signed an Agreement for this respect is the replacement of the the Promotion and Protection of regulatory National Investment and Investment, designed to reassure Aus­ Development Authority by an invest­ tralian investors worried about the ment board whose powers will be implications ofpolitical instability in largely promotional. Its work will be Papua New Guinea (PR, 13 Sep facilitated by, among other things, a 1990 ,6). five-year tax holiday for infant indus­ In March, government approved the tries and a "much tougher" government text of a fishing agreement with the stand on compensation claims by land­ Soviet Union, and the first resident owners, especially where threats of Soviet ambassador in the Pacific sabotage or disruption are involved Islands arrived to take up his post in (PR, 7 June 1990, 2). One important Port Moresby. The major purpose of effect ofthe new policy thrust is to Prime Minister Namaliu's visit to make the distinction between national Washington, DC, and Texas in May and foreign business activity less signif­ was to woo potential investors, as was icant, not least by reducing the share of Foreign Minister Somare's trip to Papua New Guinean equity required to South Korea in late June. Solomon qualify as a local company from 75 to Islands agreed to help Papua New 50 percent. These changes mark the Guinea enforce the blockade of end of a postindependence era in which Bougainville, although several misun­ foreign investment was subject to a derstandings developed between the range of controls in the interest of a two governments over Bougainville­ development ideology that stressed related issues (see review of Solomon self-reliance, equality, and protecting Islands, next). "Papua New Guinea ways." Clashes between Indonesian security It was a busy year for Papua New forces and the Organisasi Papua Mer- POLITICAL REVIEW· MELANESIA deka (OPM), who fight for indepen­ sponsor ofthe abortive March vote, dence for Irian Jaya, spilled over into Utula Samana, accompanied by four Papua New Guinea several times dur­ members of his Melanesian United ing 1990. Indonesian military incur­ Front party. sions provoked an official protest note On 4 July, exactly two years after in August, but the two countries agreed the vote that put Namaliu in office, the to coordinate more of their security opposition tabled another vote ofno activities at the October meeting ofthe confidence. In the center of the ensuing Joint Border Committee. Port Mores­ scramble for advantage was a group of by's new hardline attitude toward bor­ disgruntled government backbenchers, der issues was amply demonstrated in four ofwhom had recently been June when some one hundred sixty dropped from Cabinet. The group "illegal crossers" were sent back to stayed loyal to Namaliu, and the vote Irian Jaya (TPNG, 23 Aug 1990, 5). In was withdrawn. It was later revealed July, officials arrested OPM leader that the former ministers had de­ Mecky Salosa and handed him over to manded K400,000 to keep them from Indonesian authorities, a move that the crossing the floor. Indeed, the Times of London-based human rights organiza­ Papua New Guinea claimed (but the tion TAPOL claimed would most likely government vehemently denied) that lead to his demise (TPNG, 13 Sep 1990, some K2.5 million had been distributed 7). The OPM seized six hostages, most to government MPS just before the ofthem expatriates, inside Papua New scheduled vote (TPNG, 26 July 1990, I). Guinea in November to protest these These revelations sparked the largest actions. They were released unharmed ever public demonstration outside Par­ after the personal intervention ofthe liament. On 16 July, Ereman Tobain­ head ofthe prime minister's depart­ ing, Alois Koki, Esorom Burege, and ment, Paul Bengo. John Kaputin, all MPS from the prime The turbulent events of 1990 did not minister's province, East New Britain, deter the parliamentary opposition expressed their extreme displeasure from periodically attempting to topple with Namaliu and his government in a the government with votes ofno confi­ full-page newspaper advertisement dence. Namaliu and his multiparty (TPNG, 19 July 1990, 26). coalition easily weathered the first Namaliu adopted a more dramatic attempt in March. In May, he managed tactic to avoid the next vote ofno con­ to survive some serious internal dissent fidence in November. The government over the appointment of Ted Diro to passed the 1991 budget less than three the position of deputy prime minister, hours after it had been introduced, and despite the serious charges raised then abruptly voted to adjourn Parlia­ against him by Judge Barnett in his ment until 16 July 1991. This was the inquiry into corruption in the forestry fourth time such a ploy had been used industry. The prime minister ap­ since 1985, except that the length of this proached the July sitting ofParliament adjournment was unprecedented. strengthened by several defections Opposition leader Paias Wingti from the opposition, including the claimed that the move was unconstitu- F!f&MM.$~.WMEMM1IHVMifM.FS*§.IMINttIMi"'MM@iH4ImH&iIIAi4iiM.-R..r.rt",mlrHth't'fi@t!!i4t,q "'.piN1fil",i,G'09a...... MI!'1'7°smnmmnT7Zll_

THE CONTEMPORARY PACIFIC. FALL 1991

tional, but the issue was still before the SOLOMON ISLANDS supreme court at the end of the year (5MH, 14 Nov 1990). The adjournment At the beginning of1990, there was still frustrated legislative attempts to reduce much optimism about the ability of the frequency of these unseemly Prime Minis'ter Solomon Mamaloni's maneuvers. The session was termi­ Peoples Alliance Party (PAP) govern­ nated before the necessary second vote ment to direct events in Solomon (the first was in July) could be taken on Islands at the dawn of a new decade. a constitutional amendment that Things turned out somewhat differ­ would extend an incoming prime min­ ently. ister's period of immunity from votes In January, the Public Service Com­ of no confidence from six to eighteen mission appointed new officers to the months. three top administrative posts in each TERENCE WESLEY-SMITH of the country's seven provinces. The posts of provincial secretary, deputy Some ofthis material appears in my provincial secretary, and provincial article, "Papua New Guinea in 1990: A treasurer had been upgraded toward Year of Crisis." Asian Survey ]I (Feb the end of1989 in order to attract qual­ 1991:188-195.) ified personnel to the provinces. The move was in line with the government's decentralization policy and its promise References to serve the rural majority (55,12 Jan Avery, Oswin. 1990. Papua New Guinea 1990). and Its Breakaway Province of Bougain­ The only notable privatization exer­ ville: Negotiations in a Small State. Round cise to take place in 1990 was the sale Table, no. 316:416-423. of National Fisheries Development Limited to a Canadian firm, British Amnesty International. 1990. Papua New Guinea: Human Rights Violations on Columbian Packers. The sale was a Bougainville, 1989-199°' (November). relief to the government, which London: Amnesty International, Interna­ regarded the company as a burden tional Secretariat. because ofits inability to generate prof­ its. The remaining 20 percent ofthe AB (Arawa Bulletin). Weekly until March 1990. Arawa, North Solomons Province, shares in the Kitano Mendaiia Hotel, Papua New Guinea. previously reserved for indigenous Solomon Islanders, were also sold. IB (Islands Business). Monthly, Suva. Japan's Kitano Corporation bought a PR (Pacific Report). majority ofthe shares in 1989.

SMH (Sydney Morning Herald). As the drive to develop the tourist sector continued, the minister ofTour­ TPNG (Times ofPapua New Guinea). ism and Aviation commissioned a Weekly, Port Moresby. national development plan with help from the Suva-based Tourism Council ofthe South Pacific. The government hoped to improve on the previous plan, ~ , \... - .,.'~.'

POLITICAL REVIEW. MELANESIA which it described as "limited and in­ legalize the expended money, and that adequate to allow for a significant charges be brought against any ac­ expansion ofvisitor traffic" (BN, June counting officer who overspends the 1990 ). authorized budget in future (55, 5July The Anuha Island Resort, off north­ 1990 ). ern Nggela, Central Province, was re­ The Solomon Islands government opened during the year. It had been continued to support Papua New closed in 1988 following protracted dis­ Guinea as the Bougainville conflict lin­ agreements between the landowners gered on. In March, the two countries and the Australian operator, Pacific agreed to close their common border Resorts Limited, over compensation until the conflict was resolved. At a payments (5N, 14 Aug 1990). The gov­ later meeting they agreed on combined ernment was instrumental in getting border surveillance for the purpose of the landowners and the new operator, monitoring the movement of illegal Core Consolidated Limited, also of border crossers, especially those with Australia, to the negotiating table. A ulterior motives (5N, 14 Aug 1990). In new five-year lease agreement was September, the minister responsible for signed, allowing the resort to reopen. immigration, Edmond Andresen, The addition of a Boeing 737 air­ banned the entry of all Bougainvil­ craft to Solomon Airlines' small fleet in leans. In the same month, nine mem­ June is expected to enable the carrier to bers of the Bougainville Revolutionary bring in more money-spending tourists Army (BRA) paid an unexpected visit to from more overseas markets. Guadal­ the premier ofWestern Province, Jerry canal Province also demonstrated its Buare. Buare later disclosed that the ambition to develop tourism. In June, unofficial visitors to Giza urged him to Premier Eric Seri led a delegation to be tough with "rascals" who crossed Australia to negotiate funds of about the border in the name of the BRA. In 51$360 million for hotel, casino, and the previous month, the BRA had resort projects near Honiara (5T, 5July handed over seven alleged criminals to 1990 ). Solomon Islands police. In December, A report released mid-year by the the High Court in Honiara sentenced Public Accounts Committee revealed them to an average of ten years in massive illegal government expendi­ prison for illegal entry and robbery. tures of 51$81.254 million between 1985 The BRA does not view Solomon and 1987. The committee, chaired by Islands as neutral ground, as was evi­ MP for Rennell and Bellona and former dent mid-year when it refused to send trade unionist Joses Tuhaika, con­ its delegation to proposed peace talks cluded that part of the problem rested with the Papua New Guinea govern­ with an "ineffective and unrealistic" ment. Concerns about safety on the budgetary process, but noted that "suc­ part ofthe BRA may have been well cessive governments were unwilling to founded. On the eve of the proposed control expenditure." The committee talks, two Papua New Guinea patrol recommended that three appropriation boats sailed into Point Cruz harbor bills be introduced in parliament to without prior warning and were ee 'eee' iA Mi e .e 'free '§W¥@§f

THE CONTEMPORARY PACIFIC· FALL 1991

ordered to leave by the government. job in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Police also found that an advance party and Trade after "careful consider­ from Papua New Guinea were armed ation." He was replaced by Phyllis with high-powered rifles and complete Taloikwai, the first woman ever to be communications equipment, suggest­ appointed permanent secretary. As the ing different intentions (55,22 June newly contracted permanent secretar­ 1990). ies took up their positions, another On 28 July 1990, private business­ contract employee entered the lime­ man and former diplomat Francis light. East Honiara MP Bart Ulufa'alu Bugotu was appointed to a three-year resigned his seat in parliament to take term as Solomon Islands permanent up a two-year contract as a govern­ representative to the United Nations, ment consultant. Ulufa'alu had been ambassador to the United States, and Mamaloni's finance minister in the high commissioner to Canada. The 1981-1984 government. His appoint­ post had been vacant since the former ment is in line with the government's incumbent, Francis Saemala, was policy of employing national, rather elected MP for Central Malaita in 1989. than foreign, consultants. The country's second office abroad The parliamentary strength of the was established in June 1990 in Bris­ PAP was first tested in May when oppo­ bane, Australia, in order to attract for­ sition leader and MP for Are Are, eign investment and promote trade. Andrew Nori, moved a motion of no In September, the government ter­ confidence in Prime Minister Solomon minated all serving permanent secretar­ Mamaloni. The motion was over­ ies in an attempt to get rid of "dead whelmingly defeated, indicating the wood" and make the public service party's coherence, at least in parlia­ more effective and efficient. These top ment. To support the motion, Nori public service jobs were then advertised relied on his revelation in parliament of as contract positions, with annual sala­ a suspicious u5$250 million loan pro­ ries of 51$59,255, free housing, vehicles, posal involving the prime minister, 36 days' annual leave, and a 20 percent Finance Minister Columbus Abe, Alex gratuity after four years of service. Bartlett, MP for Small Malaita, and a Only two of the fifteen former perma­ representative of an Italian financial nent secretaries decided not to reapply, institution, Robert Coppola. The and there was a total of seventy-two prime minister challenged the opposi­ applicants. The Public Service Com­ tion to prove that his involvement in mission took three working days to the deal was illegal. Nori promised to interview all the applicants. Seven of take legal action against the prime min­ the former permanent secretaries were ister and continued to warn of "ghost reappointed, and the remaining six money." The Central Bank also warned challenged the termination procedures of"phoney loans" (55, 8 June 1990). in the High Court. However, the government was keen to Among the new appointees was obtain the loan "to finance priority Francis Saemala, MP for Central development projects in Solomon Malaita, but he turned down the top Islands" and was not deterred (55, 4 POLITICAL REVIEW. MELANESIA

May 1990). In September, with a plan Islands Public Employees Union called in the pipeline to send two ministers, on its members to stage a sit-in strike their permanent secretaries, and Alex on 2 November. The union demanded Bartlett to Italy to sign the loan deal, a pay structure based on the package news broke that Robert Coppola was offered to the new permanent secretar­ in the hands of the Italian police (55, 28 ies. The strike was called off on the fol­ Sep 1990). lowing Monday, when the government On 9 October, Solomon Mamaloni referred the matter to the Trade Dis­ resigned from the PAP and from the pute Panel. However, one trade union parliamentary leadership, but took official warned that the panel will not advantage of a constitutional peculiar­ be able to deal adequately with the dis­ ity to retain the prime ministership. His pute. resignation came a few weeks before a The much awaited motion of no likely attempt to remove him as parlia­ confidence against Prime Minister mentary leader at the annual PAP con­ Solomon Mamaloni, to be moved by ference, and allowed him to abandon Danny Philip, the former deputy prime the party's Programme ofAction and minister, was ruled out of order by the the 1988-89 Election Manifesto (5T, 13 Speaker, Waita Ben, on 16 November. Oct 1990). To secure his political sur­ Standing orders forbid such a motion vival, Mamaloni masterminded a coali­ to be moved against the same person in tion that he dubbed a "government of two consecutive sessions of a parlia­ national unity and political reconcilia­ ment, and one had been moved in tion." Five PAP ministers, including May. The ruling proved again that Deputy Prime Minister Danny Philip, Mamaloni is a master survivor. It will were dropped from the government, take a united opposition with an agree­ but nine were retained. The new cabi­ able leadership to remove him, charac­ net included two former prime minis­ teristics not evident in the present ters, Sir Peter Kenilorea and Ezekiel group. Given that the government is Alebua, both members ofthe United likely to continue to implement the Party and former rivals ofMamaloni. major policies set in motion by the pre­ By 17 October three of the new minis­ vious all-PAP government, the empha­ ters had been sworn in. Sir Peter, who sis on the private sector will continue was abroad when his appointment was into 1991 and beyond. announced, was sworn in on 26 Octo­ JOHN IPO ber, despite the disapproval of his party. Only Alebua refused to be sworn ABBREVIATIONS in. Instead he joined forces with the remaining opposition members and the BN Bisnis Nius ousted PAP ministers, who vowed to SN Solomon Nius vote Mamaloni out of office in the par­ ss Solomon Star ST Solomon Toktok liamentary session that began on 12 November. While the new government was beginning to settle down, the Solomon THE CONTEMPORARY PACIFIC. FALL 1991

March 1990, on his way to indepen­ VANUATU dence celebrations in Namibia. In In July 1990, Vanuatu marked the tenth August, Foreign Affairs Minister anniversary ofindependence from Donald Kalpokas visited Paris to pre­ France and Britain with a reenactment pare the way for the reinstatement of a ofthe initial raising ofthe Vanuatu flag French ambassador to Vanuatu. in Independence Park, accompanied by Ambassador Crespin-Leblond had the obligatory 21-gun salute, brass been expelled in 1987 for allegedly pro­ band music, and a fly-past of planes viding election funds to the fran­ from government-owned Vanair. cophone opposition party. Kalpokas The twenty-first meeting of the capped his visit with the revelation that South Pacific Forum was held in Port Crespin-Leblond had been framed by Vila to coincide with the independence former Vanua'aku Pati (vp) Secretary­ celebrations, and was chaired by Prime General Barak Sope, now leader ofthe Minister Walter Lini. Lini deflected opposition Melanesian Progressive some ofthe island nations' resentment Party (MPP). toward Australia and New Zealand VP initiatives in reestablishing rela­ over the Johnston Atoll issue (see tions with France reflect the further review ofthe region, preceding this dilution of the old francophone­ article) by observing that, while the anglophone schism and the forging of two countries naturally belonged in the new political alliances among ni­ Forum, they approached some issues Vanuatu. Late in the year, George with a limited "European perspective." Carlo resigned as MPP secretary-gen­ He also attempted to build bridges eral and applied for readmission to the between Australia and the island VP, with the intention of contesting the nations on the issue of New Caledonia next general election as the VP candi­ by inviting Prime Minister Hawke to date for Tongoa-Shepherds. Prior to sit on the Forum's ministerial commit­ his resignation, Carlo apologized in the tee to oversee the implementation of party's newsletter, Freedom andJus­ the Matignon Accord, but Hawke tice, which he edited, for the many declined. anti-vp articles it had published. Given Vanuatu's continuing support Carlo's about-face followed the deci­ for the Front de Liberation Nationale sion offormer Union ofModerate Par­ Kanak et Socialiste (FLNKS), its rela­ ties President Jean-Marie Leye to flout tionship with France is unlikely ever to his party's boycott and serve on the VP­ be exactly companionable. However, controlled Constitutional Review the prospect of increased financial and Committee. technical aid has encouraged a rap­ The establishment of the Constitu­ prochement with the former colonial tional Review Committee represents power in recent years. Following Secre­ the most important political develop­ tary ofForeign Affairs Nike Nike ment in Vanuatu during 1990, with the Vurobaravu's official visit to Paris in potential to transform both the prac­ November 1989, Prime Minister Lini tice and meaning of politics in the made a brief stopover in Noumea in republic. The committee, chaired by POLITICAL REVIEW. MELANESIA

Deputy Speaker Tele Taun, with as Barak Sope and the MPP, the consti­ Leader of the Opposition Vincent tutional review represents further evi­ Boulekone as vice-chair, comprises dence that the vp is set on creating a twenty members of the ruling one-party state. For others, such as Vanua'aku Pati, four Tan Union dele­ Jack Keitadi, curator ofthe National gates, and single representatives of the Museum, the concern is that any fur­ Council of Chiefs, the Christian Coun­ ther attempts to enshrine "traditional cil, the National Council ofWomen, chiefly powers" in the constitution the Youth and Sports Council, charita­ might force customs of only limited ble organizations, and the two extra­ applicability (such as the automatic parliamentary opposition parties (with succession of chiefly titles from father the MPP maintaining its boycott ofthe to son) on the entire country. committee's work). While the Constitutional Review Lini's expressed hope was that the Committee will take heed of such committee would radically overhaul warnings, there can be little doubt that what he termed Vanuatu's "foreign, it will recommend fundamental Western Constitution," particularly in changes to the constitution. The the areas of individual rights and free­ Vanua'aku Pati as a whole is commit­ dom, the administration of justice, and ted to going beyond the inherited West­ the constitutional role of the president ern parliamentary model. Lini also (Pacific Report, 12 April 1990). For expressed the party's collective view him, the revised constitution should when he argued that independence, if it acknowledge that the role ofthe head is to be more than political rhetoric, of state is essentially ceremonial and has to extend right down to the village perhaps should be open only to "the level. The party is acutely aware that highest traditional ... chief or a for many young ni-Vanuatu the politi­ retired religious leader." Lini also advo­ cal achievements ofthe past decade are cated a greater role in the country's less significant than the government's eleven local government councils for inability to meet their rising material customary chiefs, church leaders, and expectations. With their eyes on the women's leaders, believing that the 1991 national elections, the party's present electoral system "seems to hope would seem to be that the process almost isolate the chiefs, the religious of constitutional review will provide leaders and the community leaders." a new independence struggle for Vanu­ Customary chiefs, according to Lini, atu's disaffected youth to identify with. should be given power under the Con­ The extent to which the review com­ stitution to administer justice in their mittee's recommendations endorse the own villages and islands. Perhaps his prime minister's own reform proposals most far-reaching proposal is that the will reflect the degree to which he con­ redrafted constitution should recognize trols the Vanua'aku Patio At the end of only those Christian churches that the year he seemed better placed than "were there when we were struggling ever before with respect to day-to-day for independence." government business. A major reallo­ For Lini's political opponents, such cation of cabinet positions in Novem- MAe M • MWiM' A

420 THE CONTEMPORARY PACIFIC. FALL 1991

ber gave him the key portfolios of for­ band, Sela Molisa. He subsequently eign affairs, energy, fisheries, civil avia­ lost the housing portfolio in the tion, and tourism, in addition to public November Cabinet reshuffle. service, planning, and immigration. In the event, there was no direct Although this reshuffle was ostensibly challenge to Lini, and, given his stated to give senior ministers more time for intention to step down as party leader the Constitutional Review Committee, and prime minister by the next elec­ and for the upcoming election cam­ tions, it is unlikely that any will be paign, Lini made it clear that it forthcoming. However, key figures in reflected dissatisfaction with the per­ Vanuatu public life were known to be formance ofministers. Some hit back extremely concerned about some of the at what were effectively their demo­ government's actions during 1990. tions. Notwithstanding Lini's endorse­ Religious and women's leaders spoke ment ofhim as his eventual successor, out strongly against government sup­ Kalpokas made clear his resentment port for the establishment of the about losing the foreign affairs portfo­ Tusker brewery by the Swedish brewer lio. Education Minister Sethy Regan­ Pripps, which commenced operations vanu was one of only two ministers to in August. There was also opposition emerge unscathed from the reshuffle. to the government's encouragement Despite generally poor relations with of casinos. Newspaper pictures of the country's teachers, Reganvanu the prime minister trying his hand appears to be "untouchable" within the at the official opening of the Radisson government. Palms Resort Casino in July (and Lini's move against his ministers fol­ before the introduction of any legisla­ lowed the departure in October of his tive controls over casino operations) long-standing secretary, Grace Molisa, did not endear the former Anglican after her public opposition to his serv­ priest to the Vanuatu Christian ing of deportation orders ("green let­ Council. ters") against seven expatriate busi­ The brewery and the casinos prom­ nessmen in Port Vila. The men were ise to be lucrative money-spinners for a deported ostensibly because they posed government still heavily reliant on for­ a threat to security, but this was inter­ eign aid (though not, as it often points preted to mean that they had links with out, for its recurrent expenditures). Barak Sope. Molisa is reported to have Three weeks after the brewery opened, objected in particular to the expulsion Tusker presented the government with of two New Zealanders and the gov­ the first monthly payment of4.1 mil­ ernment's refusal, on fairly technical lion vatu in excise duty, and Radisson grounds, to allow them to engage a will make over 10 percent of the casi­ New Zealand lawyer to challenge the no's turnover each month. However, in expulsion orders. The expulsions encouraging this kind of foreign pri­ became a key topic at the Vanua'aku vate investment, the government has Pati Congress in October, which had been accused of creating long-term been preceded by reports of a leader­ problems that political and customary ship challenge by Grace Molisa's hus- leaders will be unable to cope with, no POLITICAL REVIEW· MELANESIA 421 matter how much power they might be tourists. In July a party ofJapanese given by the revised constitution. investors arrived in Vila on a direct Similar disquiet was evident with flight from Nagoya as guests of the the government's encouragement of Vanuatu government for the tenth Japanese real estate investment in anniversary celebrations. Some ni­ Vanuatu. During 1990 the Japanese Vanuatu feared that the visit might development company Narita Golf foreshadow further large-scale tourist added Efate's White Sands Country development and direct access to Club to its Bali Hai Tourism Develop­ Vanuatu for Japanese tourists. The fear ment Plan, which includes Iririki Island is that political independence will never Resort, Fisherman's Wharf, and Club be matched by economic indepen­ Hippique. White Sands will be redevel­ dence. oped into a world-class eighteen-hole RON ADAMS facility, likely to appeal to Japanese