Government engages Queen’s Counsel

At a press conference held at the office of the Deputy Prime Minister, Sir Terepai Maoate officially announced that government has engaged the services of a Queen’s Counsel to examine the entire state of affairs surrounding TOA Petroleum.
The senior counsel is Auckland based Kit Toogood QC and his brief is to provide a second opinion at very senior level at very senior level on the Government’s position in the matter and to provide advice on the best way forward for the country on the fuel farm issue.
The DPM said he had presented a submission to Cabinet on Thursday with the recommendation to commission an independent senior professional with strong commercial expertise to analyse the overall issues and risks facing Government.
Cabinet approved the seeking of advice to be given on the TOA situation as the situation is ‘unclear’ at the moment and he will be able to clarify the issues arising and provide advice in the best interests of the country. The report will be provided to the DPM who will then present the findings and recommendations to Cabinet as to the best way forward on these issues.
Sir Terepai said the Queen’s Counsel comes highly recommended and is familiar with the Cook Islands having already done work on insurance issues in the past and expects him to commence this task within the next few days. However, counsel will not be involved in the litigation matters that are already underway.

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