Dear Editor, how much effort does the Prime Minister and the Secretary for Health expend to say the words, “We’re prepared”?

That is meant to assure the most vulnerable to the virus; our elderly, our overweight, our unvaccinated children, that when the virus is on the island that we need not fear.

There must be dozens of circumstances where readers of this newspaper know, without question, that we are not ready. This reader offers one circumstance and that is the Courthouse.

The scanner for tagging-in is turned on and functioning at most 50 per cent of the time. For those without a card to scan, there is a computer screen and keyboard. How many of the elderly that climb those stairs have never operated a computer? There is no sign-in sheet for them.

That scanner and keyboard are at the front entry, but none at the back. So, 50 per cent coverage that works 50 per cent of the time, and it would be generous to say that we are “25 per cent prepared”. Which must mean on a scorecard: People 25/Virus 75. Not good odds.

It won’t be just tourists on those aeroplanes from 13 January, we are going to have significant numbers of offshore-based locals making journeys home to stay and to visit.

And what’s one of the most important things to do on every Cook Islander’s list? Go to the land court to file applications, research records, see if there is any money in the land trust. And the Courthouse is not prepared by any stretch.

And speaking of that long climb up the stairs to the shoddily built Courthouse. The same management that has failed utterly in terms of tagging-in has failed to deal with the tiles that keep falling off the stairs. The Chinese installed tiles were first, and then the locally installed replacements, and off they come, a few more every month. They are the “safety” tiles on the leading edge of each step, with grooves to prevent slipping when wet. Well, you step on a loose one on the way down and it slips out from under your foot.

And what advice did our own surgeon John Dunn give us in respect of preparing for open borders? Keep the windows open and the fresh air flowing, that’s what. Why then is the Courthouse sealed up, even on cool days, with the aircon set at 18 degrees and the staff sniffling from the cold?

Mr PM and Mr Secretary of Health, we’ll be prepared when the heads of ministries on $80,000 a year and up start earning that pay.

(Name and address supplied)

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Reply from Secretary of Justice Tamatoa Jonassen: Thank you for the right of reply. The author (letter writer) raises a number of issues that each deserves an answer.

The author is correct in that there have been some issues with the QR scanner, which we understand has been the experience of other agencies as well.

The Ministry purchased two of the higher end QR scanner devices after having reports that the lower end version had issues where the batteries expanded after being plugged in too long, thus destroying the device. However, it was later decided that one QR scanner device be sent to service our newly renovated Aitutaki office.

We have been monitoring our Rarotonga QR scanner and have found it inoperable at times due to tampering. Our IT staff are normally quick to address the situation when it is raised. Our signage around Covid19 has also been subject to tampering.

At the end of the day, visitors must ensure they register their visit to the Ministry of Justice.

A decision was made to use a computer as a backup registration if someone does not have a CookSafe card, instead of using a physical piece of paper. The paper method is prone to more tampering and shows confidential personal information that anyone can see. The coding we wrote makes it simple where people just need to enter their first name, last name, and phone number and then press enter. The coding timestamps the entry so you don’t have to enter in a date and time. Using a computer also enhances accuracy as some handwriting is illegible. Our elderly that have issues with writing may find it easier to press buttons on a computer. Our helpful staff are also available to assist anyone who wants it.

The Ministry of Justice is reviewing its Covid19 procedures and the need for additional QR scanners in relation to the borders opening in January.

Regarding the stairs, we have been actively working with CIIC (Cook Islands Investment Corporation) on that issue along with a list of other issues. The stairs have been fixed multiple times by local workers. We suspect the damage is being caused after work hours by members of the public (e.g. skateboarders). There are plans already in place to install additional security cameras.

Regarding air conditioning, this was put in place due to health and safety of the workplace and the preservation of our historical documents. Staff have control over the aircon settings. I have heard nothing but positive things about the installation of the new aircon and MOJ is not the only agency or business that uses AC.

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Not too busy CI News

On Tuesday 7 December morning, I received an email from a Cook Islands News reporter asking for detailed information on the public consultations for exploration licence applications, and a deadline for response that same afternoon.

I said we were happy to respond, but asked for more time to put the information together as the deadline was not feasible. That day, my team and I were in the middle of deliberations with the Licensing Panel, which includes convening members from around the world.

I asked the reporter if there was any reason the article had to go to print on Wednesday 8 December, and whether CI News would be amenable to publishing on Thursday 9 December instead, as that would give my team more time to compile the information.

It was disappointing to read the published article on Wednesday 8 December with a sensationalist headline which did not accurately reflect the Authority’s desire to provide information about the public consultations, and instead made it seem like we brushed off their request because we were “too busy” to bother replying.

The public consultation period recently completed on Friday 3 December in the afternoon. My team are still collating and organising the information. As you can appreciate, this takes time.

During this licensing process, I have asked my team to work late hours and on the weekend to ensure we are delivering the best possible outcomes in this licensing process. We are working as hard as we can, and I will not ask my team to sacrifice more of their personal time than is necessary. 

I kindly ask Cook Islands News to be reasonable with their future requests for information, and their reporting.

God Bless e Kia Manuia,

Alex Herman

Seabed Minerals Commissioner