CIRA prepares for Pacific 2050 conference

Next week will be hectic as the Cook Islands Research Association (CIRA) hosts an Economic Forum at the National Auditorium on Wednesday 4 February commencing at 8am.
The forum will give the public an opportunity to voice their concerns at the State of the Economy and give the public an opportunity to air their views on what the economic stimulus package administered by the BCI should be used for.
CIRA President, Angie Tuara, together with mentors Prof Ron Crocombe and Mrs Marjorie Crocombe, say the forum will be non- political and across the board with participants from Government, Opposition, Banks, Chamber of Commerce, Tourism, retailers and the building industry.
The following day the venue shifts to the USP centre where CIRA will hold their 3 day conference on the topic “Pacific 2050.”
Opening speakers are Hon Wilke Rasmussen, Minister of Foreign Affairs followed by speakers on renewable energy (James Beer) and regional leadership (Jonah Tisam).
The Cook Islands component will be officially opened by DPM, Sir Terepai Maoate followed by a discussion on CI Tourism chaired by Prof Jon Jonassen of Brigham Young University, Hawaii, followed by a paper by lawyer, Iaveta Short on ‘Hopes and Fears for the next 50 years’.
Tuara said there is also an essay competition on the Pacific 2050 theme which will be judged during the conference. Entries are being accepted from students and adults. The competition is being sponsored by businessman, Tata Crocombe. The finalists and winners will be invited to present their papers on Saturday.
Tuara advises more details including the programme, will be in the CI Times this weekend.

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