Thursday 26: Minister ‘all ears’

Dear Editor,

If I could correct a few matters. First I am not going to Queenstown for the Pacific Games Council meeting, although I have been invited.

But I will attend the Oceania Games Council meeting later in April and make a presentation there.

Secondly, I am not on the Seabed Minerals Bill Parliamentary Select Comittee. I was nominated but I withdrew before Parliament confirmed the list of nominees.

Thirdly, letter writer ‘Generation Next’ made some generalisations about my role as Minister of Marine Resources. I thought his/her letter pointed out some valid concerns about the $50 million loan from the Chinese but he or she gave himself or herself away as a political hack. I urge him/her to find out more about our fishing policies and marine management plan and yes, Cook Islanders agreed and support our efforts, and yes, they also have a say. I’m all ears if he/she wishes to make proposals for the way forward.

But he or she won’t get any okay ticks from me if he or she is a political hacker.

Wilkie Rasmussen

Minister of Marine Resources