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Mangaia MP, Prime Minister for two years
Mangaia island MP Jim Marurai was sworn in as Prime Minister of the new DemoTumu and Cook Islands Party coalition on December 14 2004.
In the new-look cabinet are Demo Tumu’s Jim Marurai, Independent Piho Rua, Peri Vaevae Pare and Cook Islands Party’s Sir Geoffrey Henry, Tupou Faireka and Tom Marsters.
The coalition agreement includes the sharing of government leadership between the two parties – Marurai to serve for two years and a former Prime Minister Sir Geoffrey for the remaining two.
Marurai is a graduate from Otago University in New Zealand, is a quiet achiever and entered the house unopposed at the last election.
In his fist address to parliament Marurai said his government would be guided by respect. love for one another, hard work, sustainable development, vigorous economic pursuits, fear and worship of God and the protection of the environment. Marurai becomes the deputy Prime Minister when Sir Geoffrey takes over.
Xmas in the Park raises $11,000
The annual Xmas in the Park event raised $11,000 in December last year and the money goes towards the purchase of rehabilitation equipment for the Creative Centre (Disabled Centre) in Rarotonga.
President of the Rotaract Club responsible for hosting the event,Vania Kenning says the fundraiser was a great success and looks ahead for a bigger and better one in 2005.
Bible translation project launched
Early December 2004 saw the launch of the project to translate the Bible into the Pukapukan language which is the oldest language in the Cook Islands.
The work is being carried out by Dr Mary Salisbury from New Zealand and her husband Kevin who has been studying the Pukapukan language since 1975 working with teachers on the island and leaders of the Pukapukan community in Auckland.
Dr Salisbury made presentations of her PhD thesis “A Grammar of Pukapukan” and the Pukapukan Dictionary to government, the national library and USP Centre. Norman George for Speaker
Despite opposition against his nomination as Speaker of the Cook Islands Parliament Norman George won the vote against other nominee Mauke MP Mapu Taia.
Democratic Party leader Dr Terepai Maoate says he hopes George will not be biased in his role.
Former MP for Atiu, George’s nomination was moved by the now Prime Minister Jim Marurai and seconded by Arorangi MP Tom Marsters.
George says he will adhere to what is required of his office and assured that he will serve with dignity, respect and honour.
Speaker wants new parliament complex
At the same time George wants an entirely new parliament building to replace the old one which housed contract workers from New Zealand in the early seventies to build the airport.
He is not happy with the old complex and says he’ll work hard towards getting a new one.
George’s other ambition is to set up a Cook Islands Parliamentary Association for past and current members.
Clamp down on alcohol-related driving
Local police has issued serious warning against drunken-driving or other alcohol related offences in the country.
They say they’ll not tolerate offenders who will find themselves facing the full force of the law be it for domestic-violence, drinking in public places, loud parties or underage drinking.
Detective senior sergeant Ingaua Areumu says these offences are usually caused by excessive drinking and “if you want to have a good time be sensible and abide by the law.”
Legal age for drinking in the Cook Islands is 18.
Better hospital services
There have been lots of changes at Rarotonga Hospital and services are improving.
The ambulance service is to be upgraded within 2005 and an emergency response unit set up.
This is to provide better communications between ambulance personnel and hospital staff.
Promotion of hospital services to better inform the public will also be provided. |
