Government turns blind eye to Aitutaki’s economic problems

Speculation that Aitutaki is on the road to economic recovery following Cyclone Pat may well be true for some people in Rarotonga but for the people of Aitutaki, this is far from the truth.
A quick random approach to a number of small business operators in Aitutaki painted a totally different picture of nothing but one of doom and gloom, far from the rosy picture politicians and officials in Rarotonga would have us believe.
These are the very people who keep the fragile economy of the tangata rikiriki going in Aitutaki but since Cyclone Pat, many, if not most of them have become victims of circumstance because they have been declined financial assistance to help them re-build their premises and their homes to keep their businesses afloat after suffering damage from the effects of Cyclone Pat.
Tourism may have picked up slightly for Aitutaki but the reality is that there are no tangible benefits trickling through to these local business people because the major tourist accommodators and hoteliers are retaining their visitors while many only visit Aitutaki for the day tours virtually leaving little money to circulate through the economy from the purchase of goods and services except for the high rolling business people who tend to monopolize most tourism activities.
Government promised $1m as a stimulus incentive package to assist small business operators to access funds in order to assist them with various activities to keep their business operations going. The question now being asked is” where is the money or more importantly, who has it gone to?”
Today, morale is very low among the general business community and there is a feeling of unease and concern especially for those who are over committed with loan repayments with little prospect nor the ability to pay because of a slow economy.
Although the island’s foliage and environment is improving, the look on people’s faces shows one of despair, despondency and a feeling of giving up. Contrary to reports that Aitutaki is thriving, one can deduce from the analogy that “the rich are getting richer while the poor are getting poorer.” That is the case today,” stated one observer.
When will government wake up to the fact that people in Aitutaki are suffering and indications of a community stricken with elements of poverty are now beginning to emerge.
Aitutaki appears to be veiled in secrecy where you have what appears to be a Mayor “out of control” and who is totally oblivious to the realities of the plight of his people. A Mayor who continuously ignores their calls for assistance. It seems few are willing to stand up to him and his tactics, even though he can visibly see that they are going through the motions of stress and trauma.
His lack of support to the business community has created further disharmony and trust and questions are being raised whether or not Government should intervene in what looks to be an impending crisis that will likely have political as well as social consequences.
What will it take for the Minister of Finance to be convinced that there is clear evidence of people suffering? Many of his predecessors simply ignored the plight of the Aitutaki people.
Already the dynamics of Aitutaki’s cultural and social fabric is changing because of the imposed financial burdens placed on families at this time. Teenage pregnancies are on the rise again and yet very few take responsibility to safeguard these young women (some believed to be underage) and their newborn babies from exposure and risk.
Apart from tourism and the recent housing reconstruction program, there is little opportunity to gain meaningful employment. Aitutaki’s population is believed to be declining and before long, business operators are likely to go out of business.
So amongst all the rhetoric, promises and failure by Government to kick start Aitutaki’s economy following Cyclone Pat, is Government likely to step in and offer some financial incentives through the provision of a stimulus package or are they going to keep the business community dangling on a tight tope hoping a miracle will occur or better still, praying that the problem will go away.
The Minister of Finance must go back to Aitutaki and take stock of the post Cyclone Pat situation. The Minister must see for himself the suffering incurred on a population who themselves believe they have no future and the Mayor must be held accountable.

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