CI Times Weekly | Current Issue 264 | 18 August 2008
Aere ra Bob, a true friend
Tributes have poured in for the late Robert Worthington, the former Honorary Consul for the Cook Islands in Hawaii, who passed away suddenly in Honolulu.
The Prime Minister, Jim Marurai, led the tributes, describing Worthington as the key ingredient in bridging the people of Hawaii and the Cook Islands.
“Bob will be sadly missed by us all. He was a true friend of the Cook Islands, who worked tirelessly for the country for many years – often without due recognition or reward because he chose not to seek any glory in his duties. He was humble and tremendously dedicated.”
Recently retired from the post as Honorary Consul, Worthington was instrumental in the student exchange programme with Kamehameha School – the institution purely reserved for Native Hawaiians. To promote the interests of his people, Worthington dedicated himself to advancing educational opportunities for Native Hawaiians, and also Cook Islanders. He organised scholarships for many over the past years, to study at University of Hawaii, and the East West Center. Worthington was also at the centre of a new internship programme with Chaminade University, and the Consul devoted a lot of his time to cater for visiting Cook Islanders, travelling to or passing through Honolulu for conferences, workshops, and other official duties.
In extending condolences, the Prime Minister said “our prayers are with Jean and all the family, as well as all of Bob’s friends here and overseas.”