Three leave Pearl Authority
Three members of the Pearl Authority have left in what the CIP suspect may be the start of mass sackings from government agencies.
The departure of three prominent members from the Pearl Authority just days ago, herald what Cook Islands Party officials claim is the start of politically motivated “removals” from government agencies.
Gone are Temu Okotai, Fletcher Melvin and Peter Williams. Okotai is General Secretary of the CIP.
“Political cleansing” has begun say top CIP officials when spoken to on Friday afternoon. Although they have not won the general election, the Demos are pre-empting a hoped for victory by clearing government positions for incoming Demo Party supporters.
Such action is of course expected in Cook Islands politics however, the Times has learnt from one member that the three members when appointed were asked to sign letters of resignation in the event their services would be no longer required. They were engaged for a period of one year and their positions were unpaid. At the time of signing on, the member expected that one day he may be let off in favour of a political appointee.
However, in the Pearl Industry’s September newsletter, CEO George Ellis says the members “stepped down” and he confirms the Minister Hon Dr Maoate, has reappointed the remaining three members Tina Browne (Chairperson), Ray Newnham and Ian Bertram for two years and appointed a new member Mataio Johnson a pearl farmer from Manihiki.
The Times was told there are also plans for Board members to be remunerated.

- Charles Pitt

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