The “outstanding” Cook Islanders working to further U.S.-Cook Islands relations were recognised at the U.S. Independence Day reception held last week at The Edgewater Resort.

The “outstanding” Cook Islanders working to further U.S.-Cook Islands relations were recognised at the U.S. Independence Day reception held last week at The Edgewater Resort.

The event held on Tuesday to celebrate the 247^th Anniversary of the Independence of the United States of America also launched the Cook Islands American Association (CIAA), a community-led initiative started by Tamatoa Jonassen and the late Dr. Jon Jonassen to further relations between the two countries.

U.S. Consul General Sarah Nelson, who attended the event, said: “We were thrilled with the turnout to our U.S. Independence Day reception in Rarotonga. It was great to gather so many of our friends to celebrate our growing U.S.-Cook Islands relationship. The event was an excellent success.”

An award ceremony was held to honour the following Cook Islanders for furthering U.S.-Cook Islands relations:

Ana File Heather and Taki Tahi Youth Entrepreneurship Network for furthering U.S.-Cook Islands relations through entrepreneurship, education, and women's economic empowerment.

Stan Wolfgramm and Te Ara Museum for furthering U.S.-Cook Islands relations through climate action, collaboration, education, and museum exchange.

Jessica Cramp and Sharks Pacific for furthering U.S.-Cook Islands relations through marine scientific collaboration and education.

Danny Mataroa and Pacific Farmers Organisation for furthering U.S.-Cook Islands relations through climate action and food security.

Alanna Smith and Te Ipukarea Society for furthering U.S.-Cook Islands relations through environmental and youth education.

Nicol Tiaore for furthering U.S.-Cook Islands relations through youth and sports education exchange at the 2023 Sports Visitor Programme in the United States.

The late Dr. Jon Jonassen for furthering U.S.-Cook Islands relations throughout his lifetime.

“If you have an idea to improve U.S.-Cook Islands relations through a project, please consider applying for our Public Diplomacy Section grants program. We accept applications quarterly. The next round closes August 1, 2023.”

U.S. Consulate Auckland said: “We are currently aware of more than 100 U.S. citizens in the Cook Islands. Every visit we make to the Cook Islands, we're meeting more and more U.S. Citizens.”

In September last year, the United States committed to recognising Cook Islands as a sovereign state alongside Niue, “following appropriate consultations”.

This was announced at the first-ever United States-Pacific Island Country Summit. Prime Minister Mark Brown attended the summit alongside leaders from other Pacific island nations.