As we are all aware, we will be celebrating 60 years of independence from our colonial masters New Zealand this year. This push by Prime Minister Mark Brown for a “symbolic representation of national pride and identity” through a separate Cook Islands passport has not been well thought out, writes Te Tuhi Kelly, leader of the Progressive Party.

If he wants to leave a true legacy arising from those celebrations, then it needs to be a true legacy not built on symbolic gestures or vanity projects like the passport. A legacy is built on solving the hard, tangible issues that impact people’s lives today and for generations to come. A legacy that centres on addressing economic stability, debt recovery and long-term benefits would resonate deeply with Cook Islanders and solidify the Prime Minister’s place in history in a meaningful way.

At a crucial point in our economic history, we need a strong legacy. We need economic stability, because Cook Islanders face real challenges, from the rising cost of living to limited job opportunities. Tackling these issues would make a direct and positive impact on daily life.

For a population scratching the surface at 15,000 souls, we need to focus on debt recovery because with a $250 million debt, the priority should be on financial discipline, restructuring and exploring innovative ways to reduce debt burdens.

A poorly received initiative, like a Cook Islands passport, risks adding further strain to the economy. I have yet to see tangible evidence of economic diversification. Our over-reliance on tourism leaves the country vulnerable. A legacy of diversification – investing in agriculture, technology, renewable energy and small business development – would set the country on a sustainable path.

We need to ensure a generational focus on policies that empower youth, promote education and foster innovation to ensure the benefits extend beyond his tenure, creating opportunities for future leaders.

From the noises being made on social media, the PM needs to cement trust with the people. He needs to focus on issues that matter which builds trust, whereas divisive projects like the passport risk eroding confidence in his leadership if the rumblings behind the scenes are anything to go by.

These are some of the tangible benefits with a refocus on what matters to us as a nation, prosperous, proud and setting the pathway for our Pacific island brother and sister nations to follow. A powerful message that we are not a banana republic behind diplomatic doors.

This is the legacy that would be left, of a vision of a debt- free Cook Islands by initiating bold measures to reduce and restructure national debt, coupled with accountability and transparency to show progress. We would need to show some courage by ensuring economic sovereignty in fostering diverse industries that reduce reliance on external aid, create jobs and retain talent within the islands.

By empowering communities with support programmes for women, those with disabilities, the vulnerable in our society, our youth and entrepreneurs, we will be ensuring widespread participation in economic growth.

We need to promote, grow and mentor what I call sustainable leadership by positioning the Cook Islands as a global leader in renewable energy and ocean conservation, aligning with global Sustainable Development Goals while benefiting our far-flung local communities.

More importantly, we need to invest in education and innovation, by investing in emerging technology we educate and future-proof the nation and give Cook Islanders a competitive edge globally.

If the PM shifts his focus to delivering these tangible benefits, his name will undoubtedly be remembered – but for the right reasons. The 60^th anniversary could then serve as a platform to showcase these achievements and inspire a collective vision, not just symbolic, for the next 60 years and beyond.

What the PM seems to have forgotten is that leadership that focuses on what truly matters – economic stability, debt recovery, empowering communities and sustainable development – is the kind that leaves a legacy Cook Islanders can celebrate with pride.

A leader who listens, addresses pressing socio-economic issues and charts a clear course for the future will earn the trust and respect of the people. By redirecting efforts toward tangible progress, the PM can unite the nation, inspire confidence and create a legacy that speaks for itself through action and results. If this approach were effectively communicated and the public saw real steps being taken, it could transform how leadership is perceived in the Cook Islands.