Tupapa CIP takes on new challenges with new committee!

Serious and ready to do battle” was how one CIP supporter summed up the Tupapa CIP meeting on Monday night at the Tupapa Centre. There was an excellent turn out of supporters old and new and it was good to see a mix of young and old.
As with other Punas, Tupapa pulled a few surprises with the election of new faces to its Executive Committee. As one person put it, that’s healthy. With the largest constituency in the Cook Islands, the new committee has the task of addressing some of the issues relating to political reforms and judging from the enthusiasm of newly elected Assistant Chairman Willie Isaia, the new committee looks promising with much good talent.
“Our priority for now is to identify and confirm our membership and then to focus on upgrading the electoral rolls. Obviously candidate selection will be of interest but right now, there are more important issues to deal with. We are happy with those people who have offered their services to Tupapa CIP because at the end of the day, we all want what’s best for our people irrespective of party politics.”
Henry Puna, Leader of the CIP, took the opportunity to clarify a number of issues relating to rumours of a coalition with the Demos, the Toagate debacle, poor governance and the continuing embarrassment of this country being ruled by a minority government.
“It is important for our supporters to understand that our government is in a state of disarray because of the inept and poor leadership ability of the PM and his ministerial band of four,” said Puna, “This nonsense has to stop and that is the reason why there is agreement with the Demos that something has to happen and collectively that is where we have common grounds to work from.”
“As far as candidate selection is concerned, the committee will ensure that the person who wins the final nomination to represent Tupapa will be someone of substance, credibility and will represent our views at the local, national and international levels. We’ve got time to put this in place within the next month or two,” said Isaia.
“Gone are the days of village politics and what we need is someone who is articulate, intelligent, knows what is best for our people and our country and is willing to promote those views. It is not just about being seen at church, at community and sports events or being a good businessman or building houses. It’s about doing what is right and for the future benefit of our village, our people and our nation. Politics is serious business and not a game and we are in the mess that we’re in now because we don’t have the right people in government to represent us appropriately.”
“If the level of support continues, and judging by the attendance at the meeting, Tupapa is in good hands and is off to a good start. What is missing however is the Aroa. 45 years on, CIP is still together and we owe it to our forefathers, our Pa Metua and our former leaders and supporters who struggled to make this country a better future for us all. It’s time for change,” said one spokesperson.

Herald Issue 463 10 June
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