Letters for July 13, 2021

Dear Editor,

Easing of medical requirements for inbound workers from overseas should never happen.

Depopulation has been happening for decades – we know this. Our Pa Enua populations have already reached critically low levels.

The government was warned that this big outflow of people would be an outcome of the pandemic. Give us a clearer picture and tell us exactly how many of the 2000 workers who have left our shores are Cook Islanders and how many are foreigners?

The Cook Islands is recognised as a peaceful, no conflict country, yet has been consistently losing its indigenous people. For generations.

MFEM’s Pim Borren talks about a targeted approach to getting our people back home but doesn’t say what that will be (Calls to loosen barriers on expat workers, July 9). Then says each island and its council will have to come up with their own strategies to keep their people at home. This doesn’t give any reassurance that there actually is a solid, workable “targeted plan” in place.

I would prefer to know what is being done to attract our own people home since the immigration policy is our people first, as it should be. What exactly are the strategies?

Florence Syme-Buchanan

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 How is it that those from the Cook Islands can come into NZ with no visa requirements yet New Zealanders have to pay thousands getting medical checks, visa and go through so much red tape just to get over there to work.

I know this as I have worked over there. It took over six months from getting employment offer to actually getting there!

If you want Kiwis over there then something absolutely needs to change as it is just too hard … easier to go to Australia, no need for any of those requirements.

Sharon Stacey

(Facebook)

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Sharon Stacey – sounds like you’ve never been to the Cook Islands. FYI: We Cook Islanders can travel to Aotearoa NZ without visa.

Please study the history of the relationship between the two nations.

Abigail Haurua

(Facebook)

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Freedom of speech

Jan Kristensson’s letter on Friday, July 7 (Spreading misinformation) discussed the issue of freedom of speech and also the violation of free speech.

It is worth noting that only a few days ago (former) President Donald Trump filed a class action suit against big tech companies (Facebook, Twitter, Google) and their CEOs.

As his lawyer John Coale stated: “This suit is really about freedom of speech and as basic as freedom of speech is – it’s based upon certain things. One is – who decides what’s hate and who decides what is misinformation?”

Also, there is now talk in NZ and some other countries about taking a third vaccine. This is one moment in time when people really need to question and do some research on the agenda behind all of this. It’s not just about Covid-19. I won’t say anymore in case the Editor bans my letter.

As always, the winners are the vaccine manufactures/companies who are pocketing unbelievable amounts of money.

Please, please do your own research and use your own intuition and inner guidance. Always remember, that God gave each and every one of us that amazing and incredible gift called an immune system.

Have a wonderful and enlightening week.

Paine Ryburn