Dear Editor,

It is regrettable that the Minister of Police does not appear to have the same level of financial and other commitment towards maintaining law and order, peace and harmony, controlling terrorist-like bike riders stunting on the main roads at will, and generally looking out for the safety and wellbeing of Rarotonga residents … as does the Prime Minister making huge commitments towards deep sea mining and research projects. The PM has his favourite portfolios, clearly Police is not one of those or otherwise he would be making major efforts to grow the Police Budget, increase staff recruiting by at least 30 -40 new members (He has already admitted publicly this shortfall).

Driving around in an aircon government vehicle, when he is actually in country, he clearly does not see or hear what is actually going on in the Rarotonga world. WAKE UP PM. Your make-believe world of five-star travel and jet-setting around the Pacific and the world will come to an end at some stage but the reality is here and right now in Rarotonga. If only you were prepared to see and listen. What sort of legacy are you leaving behind? And yes, you will get to keep your millions of tax payer funded air mileage points and your massive Government retirement pension, but your conscience will still be hounding you in years to come. Did you do all you could to make Rarotonga the serene and peaceful place like it used to be? You can LOL, but your conscience will always be there.

There are many young Cook Islanders who would be ready and willing to take on the challenge of being in the Police Force (some increase in their base pay rates would help as well as an added incentive). No doubt there are also a number of nearby Pacific Island neighbours who would make excellent recruits as well as we have seen already, and would jump at the chance of a career with the Police in Rarotonga.  

As you know all too well Mr PM, there is so much patipati funding lying around for just about everything, you don’t even have to use your own budget. All you need is to get your act together … just depends on your priorities doesn’t it, Mr PM!

(Name and address supplied)