Inspire people to do better Sir Geoffrey tells conference

Sir Geoffrey Henry KBE

“Be inspiring,” is the parting message from outgoing Leader of the Cook Islands Party (CIP) Sir Geoffrey Henry KBE to conference members.
Sir Geoffrey arrived at the conference at the Mitiaro Hostel with Lady Henry just before 1pm on Thursday 31 August but it was not until 3pm that he delivered his Keynote speech.
The conference at that stage was running an hour behind schedule with the introduction of the candidates taking longer than expected.
Demonstrating his unique skill as one of the Party’s great orators, Sir Geoffrey stood up and spoke unhesitatingly for 45 minutes without the aid of notes. Slipping in and out of Maori and English and emphasizing main points with that familiar outward thrust of the left hand, he spoke entirely “off the cuff.” Sir Geoffrey had earlier indicated to the media, he had no speech notes to hand out and his address would be entirely “off the top of my head.”
Sir Geoffrey extended a warm welcome to each of the new candidates naming each in turn, with an especially warm welcome to Norman George and Nandi Glassie. It was one of the great “U” turns. Only last year, Sir Geoffrey and Norman were bitter political enemies, attacking each other, going head to head, each for the other’s jugular.
He went on to explain the circumstances surrounding the dissolution of parliament and the subsequent court challenge by the CIP to the Queen’s Representative’s decision.
However, Sir Geoffrey’s comments about what the future may hold for the Party seemed prophetic. On the negative side, he warned of the deepening plight of those living in the outer islands and especially the elders in grappling with increasing costs. He referred to this disturbing trend, apparent in Mangaia which he had just visited.
However, there was a positive outlook. Sir Geoffrey told members any further economic growth of the country had to come from the outer islands. He envisaged foodstuffs like fish, vegetables and fruit being shipped to Rarotonga for sale to tourist resorts and locals alike. He said that with more Cook Islanders returning to live on Rarotonga, agricultural land was being used for residences. Therefore there was a need for outer islands growth.
In a reference to Papa Albert, Sir Geoffrey said one lesson he had learnt from him was that he was a very compassionate man. Speaking to the audience he told them to be “inspiring,” to inspire people to do things better and well. In ending his speech at 3.45pm, Sir Geoffrey said the CIP was about being “caring, impassioned and inspiring.”

– Charles Pitt

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