Member of Parliament for Tupapa-Maraerenga, George “Maggie” Angene has procured a digger for the people of Rarotonga.

However, Angene, who is also the Minister for Culture and Corrective Services, said that the first priority would be his village people who had made a request for the machine.

He said they received two excavators, each valued at $120,000, from the Chinese Embassy. The other digger was given to Deputy Prime Minister and Avatiu MP Albert Nicholas.

Angene shared that he had asked for a digger from a Chinese Embassy delegation that visited Rarotonga last year to help the people in Rarotonga.

“The people cannot afford the machine (operated by private businesses) because of the charge. I don’t know how much, but they say they hardly use it again, because it’s too much (cost),” Angene explained.

“That’s why they wanted me to get this, I don’t charge, it’s a free service for anybody.”

Angene reiterated that his first priority remains the people in his village.

“It’s like what Jesus said, those who help you, that's your friend. So, I look after those who help me, I have to be fair with them and help them first.

“I will help anybody, but I go to my supporters and my village first, because they are the ones who put me in here (Parliament).”

Angene said that he had made a similar request on behalf of Nicholas who is also using the excavator to help his constituency.

“There’s a lot of things I can do to help people. It’s not because I’m trying to challenge all these other companies or business people. 

“No, I’m doing this because that’s what I promised to God – I will go in there and help the people.”

For those interested in using the machine, Angene encourages them to call him at 55324 or contact DPM Nicholas.