Dear Editor,

It doesn’t offend me as a Cook Islander to read this because it needs to come out (18 months’ probation for $5k justice ministry theft, Cook Islands News, Monday, September 5). And why not. About time.

Some have been in Government positions for over 30 years and probably abusing the system like what’s happening to so many already. Audit them all. That’s all I can say to that. Send them to jail and don’t go easy on them. Some were sentenced for having cannabis plants and never hurt anyone but were sent to jail for a long time.

Mahina Manapori

(Facebook)

I see all these public sectors, ministers, prime ministers and all organisation working for the different government during the last 30 year plus, (and the cases of) corruption, theft, defraud, damage to government properties and misuse of funds within the government itself.

Yes, some did their time behind bars, some got an easy slap on the wrist doing probation and community service for their wrong doing. But it does not stop there. The question is who is going to pay for all the money and funds that has been lost (stolen) over these years especially for a very small nation like us with a debt close to about under half billion dollars to repay. The real question is what are we going to do about it or are we going to sit back and brush it under the carpet. I reckon these people need to be accountable for their wrongdoing –pay every dollar back to the people.

What are your thoughts?

Bobby Piakura

(Facebook)

Chinese Uyghur torture

Friday’s story, “Chinese Uyghur torture claims credible” refers. Our government has been asked before, and must be asked again. Why are Chinese diplomats, delegations, and those bearing cheap gifts still welcome on our shores?

The writer recalls the protests at the airport those many years ago when French Polynesian officials flew in at the same time that our brave sailors had joined the flotilla to Mururoa to protest French nuclear tests. That was 1995. Vaka ki Mururoa.

Rarotonga was the base for vaka and vessels from across the South Pacific to collect supplies before sailing and facing down the French military. The protest worked. Had international coverage. We stood up against evil.

Are we now to sit back in silence to this latest evil?

(Name and address supplied)