Cook Islands’ first Premier, the late Sir Albert Royale Henry, was given a formal pardon by the King’s Representative, Sir Tom Marsters, in Rarotonga, last week.

Sir Albert pleaded guilty to an election offence in 1978, after thirteen (13) years in power, and was stripped of his knighthood in 1980.

On the eve of the 52^nd meeting of the Pacific Islands Forum this week, Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown, said in a statement, regarding the posthumous pardon, that, although it has taken too long, it was “fitting” because of Sir Albert’s “part in championing the establishment of the South Pacific Forum [SPF} five decades ago, the body which was to become today’s Pacific Islands Forum” (PIF).

As previously reported, the late Cook Islands leader also played a part in Samoa’s fight to install the late Afoafouvale Misimoa, as the first islander secretary general of the South Pacific Commission (SPC), at the time the only regional organization which was created in 1947.

It was at that time, 1970, when the decision to set up the South Pacific Forum, was finalized when our own Prime Minister Fiame Mataafa Mulinuu II, Fiji’s Sir Kamisese Mara, Niue’s Sir Robert Rex, Tonga’s Prince Tungi, and Sir Albert met at that meeting in Noumea, New Caledonia, the SPC headquarters.

In 1971 the South Pacific Forum (SPF) had its first meeting when leaders of the Cook Islands, Fiji, Nauru, Tonga and Samoa together with reps of Australia and New Zealand gathered to map out the future of the new organization.

The forum started as a local version of the Commonwealth and was a way of supporting political stability in the region. 

Now the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) is the region’s premier political and economic policy organization. 

It comprises 18 members: Australia, Cook Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Nauru, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, the Republic of Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu, and one associate member Tokelau.

There are five observer nations, and 21 ‘dialogue partner nations, who include the USA, UK, China, Canada and the European Union. 

The Cook Islands is a founding member and its foundation, a Radio New Zealand report says, ‘was the idea of the first prime minister, Albert Henry, who wanted to give the region more power and voice in the world. 

The Forum’s Pacific Vision is for a region of peace, harmony, security, social inclusion and prosperity, so that all Pacific islanders lead free, heathy and productive lives. 

It also works to achieve this by fostering cooperation between governments, collaboration with international agencies and by representing the interests of its members.

In the main, the goals have been largely met except for the rift over the appointment of the current secretary general, Mr Henry Puna of the Cook Islands. 

Leaders of Micronesian nations believed that there was a ‘gentlemen’s agreement’ that they would provide the current secretary general and when Mr Puna was appointed they indicated they would withdraw from the PIF unless Mr Puna resigns.

But diplomacy has won out. In a deal signed in June last year by Fiame and other senior Polynesian leaders, in a face to face meeting in Suva, Fiji, the Micronesian leaders agreed to abandon their demand for Mr Puna to resign but should serve out his term and that the next secretary-general will be from Micronesia.

The deal stopped the PIF from splintering and took an important step towards healing an ugly rift among the members.

On the pardon, should our leaders be considering something similar? 

 taking an important step towards healing an ugly rift opened by an acrimonious leadership contest last year when CI Henry Puna was appointed secretary general Puna to resign serve his term but next SG will be a Micronesian person – starting next year also two under segs when post is located – other two groups will have under-secretaries general. Current PIF chair and Fijian pm Frank Bainimarama, Samoa’s PM Fiame Mataafa, Cook Islands PM Mark Brown and three Micronesian leaders all took part in the talks in Suva in June 2022. 

Albert Henry was instrumental in the Cooks Islands becoming self-governing and was elected as the country’s first premier in 1965. 

In a statement, Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown said although it has been taken ‘far too long’ it was fitting on the eve of the country hosting the 52^nd Pacific Islands Forum leaders next week.

In August this year, the Executive Council approved the decision for the King’s Representative to pardon Papa Arapati [Henry], following the recommendation of the Chair of the Parole Board, Chief Justice Patrick Keane, under process clarified as a result of the amendment in Parliament to the Criminal Records Act 1991 in June’, according to the Cook Islands PM’s office.

This is the first pardon to be exercised by the King’s Representative.

‘The Board had received from the Minister of Corrective Services the application by Papa Arapati’s grandson Howard Henry for the posthumous pardon.

The office said Henry was regarded as the “Godfather of modern politics in the Cook Islands.”

We cannot continue to deny Papa Arapati the acknowledgement and credit he so rightfully deserves as he led our country during a time of great political transformation, Brown said.

He was a man of tremendous oratory skill in both Maori and English, at a time when we as a people needed our voices heard, he spoke eloquently for all of us.

‘For our people, his long list of notable and outstanding achievements and his extraordinary life impacted thousands of Cook Islanders at home and around the world.

‘The tireless work he did in advocating for our independence and sovereignty, for the right of Cook Islanders to elect their own government, to govern ourselves as a nation of 15 islands for the benefit of our people, these are the things that Papa Arapati is remembered for,” he added.  

In 1991, the then South Pacific Forum recognized the special needs of the Smaller Island States and on 16-17 January 1992, the inaugural Summit of the Smaller Island State leaders was held in Rarotonga, Cook Islands.

The smaller island states (SIS) of the PIF represent the most vulnerable of Forum Island Countries and its membership comprises Cook Islands, federated states of Micronesia, Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, Palau, the Republic of the Marshall Islands and Tuvalu. Against a background of ‘unique and particular’ vulnerabilities linked to their small size, lack of natural resources, and remoteness, SIS faces a range of development challenges that limit their capacity to ensure resilience and long-term sustainable development. 

The first meeting of the South Pacific Forum was held in 1971. Seated around the table from left, Albert Henry- premier of the Cook Islands, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, prime minister of Fiji, Hammer de Roburt prez of Nauru, Keith Holyoake PM NZ, C.S Barnes, minister of external territories of Australia, also present but not in picture – Prince Tu’ipelehake of Tonga. 

Pardoned 2/11/23 by King’s Rep Sir Tom Marsters. The PM-elect of NZ won’t be there next week busy negotiating arrangements with Winston Peters following the loss of two seats after the count of special votes and the overhang to 123 seat parliament. Maori Pati captured 6 Maori seats, mainly from Labour. 

Our voices, our choices, our Pacific Way – Promote, Partner, Prosper – 52^nd Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting Cook Islands.

Meet 6-9/11 meet in Raro for 3 days and then two days in Aitutaki where they’ll meet aboard a vaka, va’a, boat -Aitutaki style within the islands stunning lagoon – if weather permits of course, Theme – for Forum “our voices, our choices, our Pacific Way; promote, partner, prosper – rallying call to delegate Small Island States (SIS) a traditional one – Te Moana Nui a Kiva, Kia Rangatira. The Cook Island aspiration is summarized 0n the Forum’s website -together we will create a shared inheritance- an implementation plan fueled by Pacific partnerships for Prosperity that will provide for our Pacific people today and long into the future. 

Cook Islands PM Mark Brown will chair the Forum and reflect on the event “As a founding member of the PIF the Cook Islands remains deeply committed to a united region, guided by our 2050 strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent vision for our future. A vision of a resilient Pacific Region of peace, harmony, security, social inclusion, and prosperity that ensures all Pacific people can lead free, healthy, and productive lives. 

As a member of the Pacific Island Forum (PIF) meet in Rarotonga, Cook Islands, starting Monday this week 

The intergovernmental organization that aims to enhance cooperation between countries and territories of Sir Albert Royale, 11 June 1906 – 1 Jan 1981, the first premier of the Cooks Islands. Leader of the Cook Islands Party (CIP) – first elected premier in 1965, unseated in the aftermath of the 1978 elections after an election petition found he had committed electoral fraud. He was later stripped of his knighthood. In 2023 he was posthumously pardoned.

At the age of 13, he won a scholarship to NZ but could not take it cos he was too young. Later boarded at St Stephen’s in Auckland paid for by his parents. Returned to Cook’s in 1923 and worked as a student teacher and then as acting headmaster of Ararua School at Aitutaki. He reigned when his pay was cut and then worked as a trader for A.B.Donald. 

In 1936 he founded a newspaper – Te Akatauira – “Morning Star”.

Moved to Auckland in 1942 and worked as an agricultural worker and bus driver. In 1945 became secretary of the Auckland branch of the Cook Islands Progressive Association (CIPA) who demanded higher wages, improved shipping, a Cook Islands rep in NZ parliament, fully elected islands councils, an elected federal islands govt and the abolition of the Resident Commissioner’s power to veto legislation. He helped organize CIPA’s industrial campaign in the Cook Is, and later its cooperative shipping venture. When CIPA failed he worked in various jobs, including as an interpreter for Cookies in NZ courts while studying economics and philosophy. He also organized the CI-NZ society and Poly agencies, a cooperative trading company.

Henry’s political career

Returned to Cooks in 1964 at the invitation of the remnants of CIPA, the Union of Workers and the co-op movement. On his arrival the three groups agreed to unite – elected party president but a three-year residential requirement he could not stand for parliament – he nominated his sister- won the elections changed the residential requirement to 3 months – sister resigned- Albert won byelection.

When the Cook Islands was granted self-government in 1965, Albert became premier. Story was made Speaker. 

Raised taxes income and sales to reduce dependence on New Zealand.

Ina’ilau a tama’ita’I Samoa

Exploring gender issues – ministry of women 1991 – first such ministry- aloaia o tamaitai I totonu o nu’u – tina ma tama’ita’I – only 2 MPs at the time – matafaioi va’aiga o fanau – aia atau va’ai o’u lavalava – faaletoonum aumai e auli – tuaganr = aia tatau lena a tamaitai= leaise aia tatau a tamaita’I bible – 1 korinit 11 -3 – ulu o le ava o le tane – sauaga o feagai ma tina- taitaiseseina ona o mau mai le Bible – puou o fafine I totonu o le Lotu – manatu o Paulo – tane and fafine – s o ona faamamafa o le tane o le ulu o le tina – Lemalu – aia tatau sa maualuga tele tamaitai – aia tatau fia pule – faapea o upu mai fafo – faavae I le va – fealoaloa’I va tapuia – leasiolagi – e le taumateina eseesega o aia tatau a alii ma tamaitai – feagaiga I le faasamoa – maotua – nai lo le faakerisiano – matua faaloalogaia tamaitai e o latou tuagane- toleafoa – fatino va – faiganu’u faafeagaiga – toeititi aiga o loo tausi iai – leassiolagi – ua le tutusa – ua ala ona le mamalu ua amata ona igoamatai taimatai – leva ona aia o feagaiga le faaloalao, taumafai e faatino feagaiga I aso nei ua le mafai – ua ave le feagaiga I le va o le nu;u ma le faifeau – faigata ona tupu se aia tatau a tma – bible mau fai Eva mai le ivi o Atamu – mau a Samoa na faia le tagata e tagaloa – o le mau lona lua o le tamatane muamua l lua vaivai tamaitai – tamaitai vaega o le tino o le tane – vaitau faataua tma tane – tamaitai ufiiufi e leo – 11percent o matai – eai se Tulafono e s ai oa matai o amaitai – 10 villages tapu ai ona matai tamaitai = faigata ona auai tamaitai I fofno a le nu’u fela’asa’I ai – suaga e le fuafuaina lafoga – e le talafeagain- fefaasagai tama ma teine – tofu = faatalanoaina o galuega lelei mo le u’u atoa – aia tatau tamati ma teine faigata ona talia e Samoa – pule authority – onay alii and faipule – pule a matai – nuu o tamitai, nuu o aumaga – leai se avanoa e fesiligia ai le nu’u – o ali’I – leai ni aia a ni tamitai ma – o le pule na o alii lava – leai se pule  tui – tele tamitai faailoa maualuluga, tele foi tulaga I le ofisa – avanoa e maua ai tagata lelei e galulue mo le malo – e leai se – nafanua ma salamasina -women can surpass men if given opportunity – timia sili ona filemu – taimi o Salamasina – pulega malo –

Why did women have to wear hats cover heads in church? Tradition of women wearing hats in church is said to originate from the Apostle Paul’s words in 1 Korinito 11:15 which says that women should cover their heads during worship. The hats were considered a way to honour God and symbolize triumph ovber hardship’Some Christian women wear head coverings in public worship and during private prayers at home.

The earliest known tradition hats in history were worn in thebes and seen on ancient Egyptian murals, Next there was Phrygian caps that were worn by the freed slaves in Rome, signifying their independence. As the centurieswent by the traditional use of hats worn by women in church is said to have originated from the Apostle Paul’s wwords in 1^st Korinthians 11:15, which says that women should cover their heads during worship. Black women have since embraced those words with elaborate church hats.

Black women and church hats were celebrated in the book ‘Crowns’ by Michael Cunningham and Craig Mulberry. The book tells the stories behind black women and their hats.

Exerpts from Crowns

Don’t wear a hat wider than your shoulders. Don’t wear a hat that is darker than your shoes, if your hat has feathers, make sure they are never bent or broken. Sequins don’t look good in the daytime. Easter hats should be qwhite, cream or pastel – even it it’s ccold outside. For a look that is both elaborate and demure, try a chapel veil. 

Keens 1:20 –

Kenese 1:27 – faia e le Atua o le tagata – tane ma le fafine.

Ona faia ai lea e le Atua o le tagata I lona faatusa, o le faatusa o le Atua na ia faia ai o ia; na faia e ia o I la’ua o le tane ma le fafine.

world. Former Cook Island PM Henry Puna is the secretary General of the Forum, and the last meeting in Raro was in 2012.

Kenese 1:27 – faia e le Atua o le tagata – tane ma le fafine.

Ona faia ai lea e le Atua o le tagata I lona faatusa, o le faatusa o le Atua na ia faia ai o ia; na faia e ia o I la’ua o le tane ma le fafine.

Genesis 2:21 – 22

According to the Biblical account in Genesis 2:21-2, the rib that God took from Adam to make Eve was one of his ribs that God removed while he was in a deep sleep and replaced with flesh.   

3:16 = e pule foi o ia te oe; fanau ma le tiga;

Malakas and Maganda are known to be the first man and woman in pre-colonial Phillippine folklore. According to the myth, during the first thunderstorm a lightening bolt hit a bamboo stalk, which split in two, and the first man and the first woman came out. The first man’s name was Si Malakas, which translates to strong, and the first woman’s name was Si Maganda, which means beautiful.

Samoa’s two type of deities atua -who had non-human origins, and aitu, who were of human origin.

Violence in nz increases human refuge – check

2019 nz family violence study -prevalence of physical and sexual violence by non-partners; intimate partner violence;  gender difference in IPV exposure, and rates of violence against disabled people;

Info on adverse childhood experience and intergenerational effects is also provided.

Importance of social support of social support after IPV – policy and practice recommendations are offered.

Number of people impacted by family violence over time -

Genesis 2:21 – 22

According to the Biblical account in Genesis 2:21-2, the rib that God took from Adam to make Eve was one of his ribs that God removed while he was in a deep sleep and replaced with flesh.   

3:16 = e pule foi o ia te oe; fanau ma le tiga;

Malakas and Maganda are known to be the first man and woman in pre-colonial Phillippine folklore. According to the myth, during the first thunderstorm a lightening bolt hit a bamboo stalk, which split in two, and the first man and the first woman came out. The first man’s name was Si Malakas, which translates to strong, and the first woman’s name was Si Maganda, which means beautiful.

Samoa’s two type of deities atua -who had non-human origins, and aitu, who were of human origin.

Violence in nz increases human refuge – check

2019 nz family violence study -prevalence of physical and sexual violence by non-partners; intimate partner violence;  gender difference in IPV exposure, and rates of violence against disabled people;

Info on adverse childhood experience and intergenerational effects is also provided.

Importance of social support of social support after IPV – policy and practice recommendations are offered.

Number of people impacted by family violence over time - 

 NZ i63 – overhang; recounts after official count – special votes 20% - leadership vote for labour - 

Tagata na fai e Tagaloa -

It's Ta’i’s not Tai’s Take..

What’s fourth prime-ministership?

Tupuola was with the Head of State, Tuilaepa wrote in his memoir when – where’ the comma.

Tofilau invited him to go – go where? I had come – come to Tofilau.

Tight deadline?  

Detectives speculate to accumulate – ID -investigtion depart? 

As of November 2021 gender quotas have been adopted in 132 counties. The quota system is active in 120 countries and is empirically very effective. More than half of the countries in the world today use some sort of an electoral quota system, whether it is for geographical ethnic or gender diversification. Gender quotas are a tool used by countries and parties to increase women’s representation in legislature.

However, there are challenges:

1. Perceived   unfairness – best should get job;
2. Not necessary – women already have equal rights;
3. Discrimination against men –
4. Lower qualification levels;
5.  

Why abolish 10% of women MPS. Undemocratic or even anti-democratic;  shows lack of confidence in thee voters and their right to choose; More women than men in the world; 

Vice Pres Mike Pence, drops out, not extreme enough; Trump is being held to account, yet new speaker was an election denial – how democracy works – Officer Dunn’s book – Standing my ground –

Einstein married first cousin – turned down presidency of Israel – spied on him for 22 years -why?

News from Samoa – next meeting parliament in December discuss report by committee of parliament – constitutional amendments – PM says will prepare for discussion of committee’s recommendations – tp decide changes to be made – va agnuu and faiga faaalalatua – lanu I le aganu’u – o le tele a o mataupu ona o faiga faaalatua -  - reshuffle – all land under ona minister – faamaite o galuega mo nuu I tua – taga, siutu, palauli 1, ola faaleagaga and ola masani, 10 stake wards 11 – torch od peace – toomaga – stop violence against women and children – 

Aganu’u – fale o tumua and pule e liolio I fetalaiga – titi tonoa samoa atoa – Asi’ava – leo o tina I totonu o nuu – itumalo.

Samoan pilgrims in Israel?