Opinion

Kata - December 3, 2012

Monday 3 December 2012 | Published in Kata

Opposition barking up the wrong tree December 3

One gunner still firing

Monday 3 December 2012 | Published in Smoke Signals

A smoke signaller writes: “Reading the news the other day it was good to see we have one Member of Parliament in the opposition, Norman George, still alive and firing questions at the government ministers – especially when the ministers are spending more time overseas on taxpayers’ money than here in the Cook Islands. What is happening to the rest of the opposition members, are they still alive or dead? Go Cook Islands Party, make the most of it.”

Kata - December 1, 2012

Saturday 1 December 2012 | Published in Kata

Two happy Foodland customers

Saturday 1 December 2012 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, My husband and I would like to congratulate the check-out girls who serve us in Foodland. The elderly couple that we are, have our shopping days filled with smiles and laughter by the delightful girls who make us feel special.

Opposition 'vocal', says leader

Saturday 1 December 2012 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, Mr John Scott’s swipe against the opposition is gravely misplaced and unfounded.

Govt can't even answer public concerns

Saturday 1 December 2012 | Published in Smoke Signals

A smoke signaller rang in asking how Cabinet can be expected to answer Norman George’s questions. “How can Cabinet answer Norman George’s 27 questions when they can’t even respond to very important issues in our community? Government can’t even be bothered addressing public concerns, so how the hell are they going to answer these questions? Government is silent on numerous public outcries, so we will return the favour and be silent when it comes time to vote. In fact the way they are going, I don’t think this government will make it through the next election.”

Kata - November 30, 2012

Friday 30 November 2012 | Published in Kata

CI Seabed Minerals authority seek young CI chemist November 30

'Are we in trouble, folks'?

Friday 30 November 2012 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, The Customs Tariff Amendment Bill now before Parliament contains two glaring omissions.

Give 'under-funded' BTIB a break

Friday 30 November 2012 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, The request by BTIB for assistance is indicative of the reality facing government ministries and crown-funded organisations that either have limited budgets or have had their budgets reduced over time – usually because of changing government priorities.

Commercial rival stands up for Mason

Friday 30 November 2012 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor The member for Teenui-Mapumai [Norman George] has brought Brian Mason’s integrity into the public domain. I have known Brian for 20 years and reiterate the member for Takuvaine’s [Mark Brown] words, “we are fortunate to have someone of the calibre, integrity and moral decency of Brian available to work on this Bill”.

Kata - November 29, 2012

Thursday 29 November 2012 | Published in Kata

BITB propose new Christmas business model November 29

Brown answers George's question

Thursday 29 November 2012 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, Questions have been put to me by self proclaimed Democratic Party MP, Norman George, in a written statement made in Parliament earlier this month. I will be preparing my written responses to table in Parliament next week. I can only speculate that he asks these questions in the media because he is becoming increasingly irrelevant.

'Does anyone else feel ripped off?'

Thursday 29 November 2012 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, Is it just me or does anyone else feel ripped off by our local communications monopoly Telecom? Particularly with their internet charges.

Kata - November 28, 2012

Wednesday 28 November 2012 | Published in Kata

Leadership programme for cabinet ministers November 28

Kata - November 27, 2012

Tuesday 27 November 2012 | Published in Kata

Minister"s welcomed back November 27

Parliamentary intervention a 'last resort'

Tuesday 27 November 2012 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, My understanding of the issues surrounding the occupation right debate mirrors that of Mr Mitchell.

'5 bob worth' of land rights

Monday 26 November 2012 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, I believe the judge has been unfairly criticised – and as he cannot reply through your columns, here is my ‘five bobs worth’.

'Let's play sports on Sunday'

Monday 26 November 2012 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, The Times and the Cook Islands News of 9 November spelt out some of the details in the Employment Relations Bill which is about to be passed in parliament.

Solicitor-General: Police undercharged

Monday 26 November 2012 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor, I write in response to the article published in the CI News on November 24, 2012 “Assaulted tourist will never return”.

'Country without a government for 1 week'

Saturday 24 November 2012 | Published in Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor By having four out of six minsters out of the country (80 per cent of the cabinet) in the past week, the Cook Islands effectively had no government. Cabinet needs three members for a quorum and there is no provision in the Constitution for a telephone conference meeting to be staged in order to hold a meeting to include the ministers overseas.