Opinion

Radio silence from government

Friday 1 February 2013 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, I have read with great concern the story in relation to ‘Colagate’ and alleged fraudulent behaviour of our largest food importer and retailer here in the Cook Islands.

Making our roads safer

Friday 1 February 2013 | Published in Smoke Signals

“Does anybody in authority really care about the state of our roads and the increasingly bad driving behaviour?” a smoke signaller asks.

Kata - February 1, 2013

Friday 1 February 2013 | Published in Kata

Calling CIP govt to account

Friday 1 February 2013 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, Last week I alleged with confidence that there has been a budget blowout in relation to ministerial travels.

Rescue tube has potential danger

Friday 1 February 2013 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, On reading Thursday’s (January 30) CI News regarding the supply and use of rescue tubes at strategic sites, I am more than a little concerned that this has the potential to cause a double tragedy.

The missing link in COLA

Thursday 31 January 2013 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, I have stood back to observe commentary on the cost of living (COLA) issues of the past three weeks.

'Problem of political philosophy'

Thursday 31 January 2013 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, I give you and your readers this extract from a book I have which was given to me incidentally by the late Pa Terito Ariki, called ‘The Story of Philosophy’ and which is particularly timely to contemplate upon as we read more and more of incompetent politicians and shady dealings.

100 days not in CIP manifesto

Thursday 31 January 2013 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, I read Norman George’s recent comments about the Cook Islands Party breaking an election promise to have 100 days of parliament sitting and felt obligated to respond and clarify.

Bowled over with $100K donation

Thursday 31 January 2013 | Published in Smoke Signals

A smoke signaller writes: “I watched the sports news on Friday night and could not believe that the Cook Islands Tourism Corporation is now funding to the tune of $100,000 the new green for the Rarotonga Bowling club and that this will bring in more tourists to the country.

Many issues in wages debate

Wednesday 30 January 2013 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, This is in response to the letter from “The Watchman” in your issue of January 29.

Disgusted with health system

Wednesday 30 January 2013 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, I am writing in regards to the passing of our sister and friend Marae Mataroa.

Kata - January 30, 2013

Wednesday 30 January 2013 | Published in Kata

Right in my own backyard

Wednesday 30 January 2013 | Published in Raro on my mind

I showed up to a Los Angeles church on Saturday, runners on, mobile phone charged, a full tank of petrol in my car, prepared for what I’d later consider one of the most powerful sermons I’ve ever experienced – and it didn’t come from a pulpit.

LOOK WITHIN

Tuesday 29 January 2013 | Published in Smoke Signals

A smoke signaller texts in response to criticism over the reappointment of the CEO of the National Superannuation Fund: “Perhaps the simple answer is that the reappointed CEO is the best candidate having good experience in banking and management of superannuation in the Cook Islands, not to mention having a lovely smile and personality.

COLA a matter of fairness

Tuesday 29 January 2013 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, For the sake of our younger and more easily influenced readers, can you please put an end to the mis-information and flat out ignorant comments around the cost of living adjustment? It is not, as Richard Neves would have us believe, a reward for productivity by public servants, nor as some “observers” put it, a welfare payment of any sort.

'Less money in their pockets'

Tuesday 29 January 2013 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, There has been a lot of discussion, debate and opinions on the cost of living adjustment (COLA) in the paper recently that raises a lot of issues that need to be clarified so that a more informed analysis and decision can be reached by various stakeholders, including government.

Kata - January 28, 2013

Monday 28 January 2013 | Published in Kata

Advocating COLA merits

Monday 28 January 2013 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, The debate in your newspaper on COLA has been fantastic and I thought was coming to a natural end.

Return to Pukapuka

Monday 28 January 2013 | Published in Return to Pukapuka

When I left Pukapuka last year to return to Hawaii, tears streamed down my hot face. I wore three pandanus hats to shield the sun.

Car misuse a money waster

Saturday 26 January 2013 | Published in Smoke Signals

“The continuation and blatant misuse of government vehicles by some senior officials I believe is theft of government property through the misuse of fuel and transport,” a smoke signaller writes.