Pacific People

The old adage goes "a week is a long time in politics". Well, a day seemed an eternity as we were putting together the final touches to this year's "Pacific People" listings--coming as it did on the heels of elections in Guam, Palau, American Samoa and Cook Islands and political changes in French Polynesia and Nauru.

There is another adage; that it is not what you know, but whom you know. While that is not the whole picture, understanding the stature, background and relationships of prominent Pacific Islanders is crucial to beginning to understand how Island societies, economies and politics operate.

This year's Pacific People listings provide a starting point for people new to the region, and those islanders who are interested in their neighbors. The listings are considerably more comprehensive than the directory launched last year. Despite this, we are still aware that there are some gaps in "Pacific People", particularly from our smaller neighbors and nations of the South Pacific.

We consider "Pacific People" an evolving process that will continue to gain in detail and strength. We will keep it updated at our website, and invite you to fill out an on-line form at the "Pacific People" section in order to keep the list current and growing.