From the man in Colombia who was named after the King of Pop, to Malaysians who named a soya drink for him, to a generation of people around the world who have tried to moonwalk, the news stunned the world.

WHEN many islanders look at Barack Obama, they see not only the next president, but a skilled bodysurfer, a man who flashes the “shaka” or hang loose sign, and someone who wears the same rubber slippers they do.