| Pacific
Magazine celebrated its 15th anniversary with the July/August issue in 1991. Founding
Publisher Bruce Jensen noted in his column, "When we started out 88 issues ago,
the Marshall Islands, the Marianas, the Carolines and the Gilberts were all under
United States mandate as the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands (the Gilberts
were actually British controlled). Today, only Palau remains a trust territory,
the others have achieved their independence." A lot has changed in the
Pacific in the last 14 years, and no doubt there will be even more change as this
magazine looks ahead to its 30th anniversary next year. Among the stories that
we covered 14 years ago: - Fiji Elections: "When will Fiji's post-coup
elections be held? That's a question no one seems to have the answer to. At least,
no one is telling. Since the military coups of 1987, Fiji has been run by an interim
government headed by Ratu Sir Kamisese K.T. Mara as prime minister, Ratu Sir Penaia
Ganilau as president, and Maj. Gen. Sitiveni Rabuka as head of the army. Since
early last year, there was talk, official and otherwise, that election would be
held sometime in 1991. But, Berenado Vunibobo, Fiji's trade minister told the
press when in Honolulu earlier this year, it is likely elections won't be held
until early 1992."
- New Director: "How does a 10-year-old
boy who worked, selling fish in the streets of his native Nuku'alofa, Tonga, find
himself today as director of the East-West Center's Pacific Islands Development
Program? When asked that question, Dr. Sitiveni Halapua, thought for just a moment.
Then a broad smile broke out on his face: "Curiosity," he replied.
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