Volunteers to show pride

Volunteer taxi drivers and liaison officers recruited for the upcoming Pacific Leaders Forum are being motivated to do their best for the Cook Islands.

Meeting coordinator Francis Topa-Fariu told the group at the Red Cross Centre on Thursday night that their final information booklet will be distributed on Tuesday.

”You are the two groups of people who we are all depending on to get the leaders to the places they are supposed to go to,“ Topa-Fariu said.

”You’re in the public image at all times. That’s why you need to be the best Cook Islands ambassador you can be. We want you to look your best – from your face to your clothes to your shoes.“

Liaison officer assistant Melody Jonassen told the group that it was an opportunity for the country to present itself in the best possible light during the week-long forum.

”This is our one opportunity to wave our flag and show our pride in our country, our happiness and show nothing but the best,“ Jonassen told the group.

Sonya Kamana also spoke to the group about timeliness and punctuality and ensuring they were on time at all times.

”You have to make sure you’re on time – no more of this island time we’re used to,“ Kamana said.

”Not just in time, but with plenty of time.“

Forum coordinator Jaewynn McKay also chimed in with a message of support and advised people that one of the best skills to have was listening skills.

While drivers were reminded about punctuality, the liaison officers were advised to look out for the little things, such as the potential forgetfulness of drivers forgetting to display the flags when the country’s representative is in the car.

One of the volunteers, Lily Henderson, said she was excited about a chance to promote the Cook Islands to the world.

”It’s a fantastic opportunity to promote the island,“ said Henderson, who will be taking care of the representatives from Timor Leste. Henderson said she would do her best to ”show them as much as I can that will hopefully want them to come back.“

The Pacific Leaders Forum begins on August 27.