Issues and Events, 1 July 2002 to 30 June 2003
Polynesia in Review: Issues and Events, 1 July 2002 to 30 June 2003 Reviews of American Sämoa, French Police Commissioner Tepure Tapaitau Polynesia, Niue, Tokelau, Tonga, and in July 2002. Only seven votes sepa- Tuvalu are not included in this issue. rated the two as Rasmussen won with a total of 112 votes (CIN, 2 Jul 2002, Cook Islands 1). The period ended with the unex- The period under review was charac- pected death of Maria Heather, mem- terized by a worrying decline in popu- ber of Parliament for Ruaau, who died lation, regression in the ordinary suddenly in June 2003 after a short Cook Islander’s purchasing power, illness. This created the need for a lack of confidence in members of by-election only months before an Parliament and cabinet, continued expected general election. In between public pressure for political reform, the two by-elections, the controversy and a general deterioration in work over cabinet size and membership and leadership ethics. Land contro- persisted. By July 2002, government versies and government-created jobs was pushing for an extra minister for engrossed the attention of leaders, a cabinet, increasing the numbers to few of whom tended to abuse their seven (CIN, 13 Jul 2002, 1). Although status in order to advance family the government remained undeterred interests. Ironically, while foreign by the NZ$158,000 estimated cost for workers entered the country to take this move, there was resistance from up promised employment, the local the general public (CIN, 30 Oct population declined, primarily due 2002, 1). to lack of employment.
[Show full text]