Having a problem with the last puzzle. When I put my chief on the finished pearl it says this villager doesn't have the required skill to complete the task. Is this a _bug_ or am I missing something?

I haven't heard much about a problem with the finished pearl. Highlight spoiler question: Is the pearl in the research area when they try to swap it? end highlight

If your TC doesn't have the required skill, you should try another villager that has a different skill -- the pearl just isn't ready for the TC yet, I guess.

(The first unofficial puzzle guide that was posted right after the game came out was missing a step for this puzzle - if you downloaded that one, you should go to the guides section and download a newer one.)

For that puzzle you need: (highligh for spoiler)
1°) a master builder who will bring the pearl in the waterfall, then
2°) a master scientist who will bring the pearl in research lab, then
3°) the tribal chief who will bring the pearl in the reef to the clam! (end of spoiler)

It may be the same villager if he is the 3 !!