Dear Editor, extraordinary that Hon. (Robert) Tapaitau is still being paid the Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) salary – $137,750! (Additional charges, Cook Islands News 25/3/22).

And somehow the PM has tried to justify the retention of that salary, even after suspending Tapaitau so long ago from the DPM position.

This of course does not include a multitude of allowances, which brings Tapaitau’s payments to an obscene level and for not even being in the job!

That extra $50,000+ could have been earmarked for so many more pressing issues facing TMO (health ministry), Police, Teachers, etc. Shame PM!

Tapaitau was elected as MP for Penrhyn, he should have been relegated to an MP’s salary at time of suspension, full stop! And await his time in court to answer charges.

Unfortunately, the country suffers because of personal agendas.

(Name and address supplied)

Editor – A right of reply request was sent to the Prime Minister on Friday, March 25, 2022.

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Covid-19 related hospitalisations

Last Monday night, PM Mark Brown announced on local television the regular Covid updates. He informed the nation that there were no Covid related cases in the hospital.

The very next morning, the public was informed that there were three sick Covid related patients in the hospital, who were admitted earlier in the weekend. The PM must have known this situation as he would have got regular briefings from the Secretary of Health.

By Wednesday, news was officially released that three sick patients were in hospital but these were due to their NCD illnesses. Isn’t it true that the three NCD patients were affected by Covid? This led to their hospitalisation. That’s the reason why they were admitted.

The government needs to stop misleading the public.

Nothing but the Truth

(Name and address supplied)

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Reply – The truth is there is still no admission to hospital for moderate or severe Covid situation since the first case. People with serious NCD or health conditions still need to be admitted whether Covid or not for urgent medical attention.

Bob Williams

Secretary of Health