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Wednesday, OctOber 30, 2013 cook Islands News
Tuvalu PM visits Rarotonga TUVALU Prime Minister Enele Sopoaga paid a courtesy call to government Thursday afternoon. In attendance were Agriculture Minister Kiriau Turepu, Finance Minister Mark Brown, and Infrastructure Minister Teariki Heather. Sopoaga paid a courtesy call on the three members of cabinet presently in Rarotonga during the meeting. The Tuvalu PM stayed for a short discussion and some refreshments, taking time out from attending the 12th Triennial Conference of Paciic Women, as he is the Tuvalu Minister Responsible for Women’s Affairs. “The talks were very cordial and touched on our strengthening bilateral relationship,” said special advisor Trevor Pitt at the Ofice of the Prime Minister. “We signed diplomatic relations with Tuvalu in August while PM Puna was in Auckland for the Polyne-
sian Leaders Group (PLG).” Enele was very supportive of the PLG and the co-operative links with the Cook Islands. One particular issue of concern to Tuvalu is employment and the need for locals to get work. They have a range of professionals who need jobs and are looking beyond their border to other markets – including the Cook Islands as a possibility. Labour mobility was a central issue during the 2nd PLG Meeting in NZ with member countries expressing needs to ill jobs and access labour. Prime Minister Henry Puna and government ministers are supportive of exploring the potential of accessing labour to meet the needs of our various sectors and industries. Minister Brown said the government would follow this up with further discussion, including talks with relevant stakeholders, and the business community. - Release
Tuvalu Prime Minister enele sopoaga (second from right), with agriculture Minister Kiriau Turepu, Finance Minister Mark Brown, and infrastructure Minister Teariki heather. 13102453
Change of plea for assault accused The hIGh CourT on October 24 was presided over by Justice of the Peace Tui Short, who made the following judgements: Fa’afou Amate , 34, through his counsel Wilkie Rasmussen changed his plea from not guilty to guilty for a charge of assault on a female. His lawyer Wilkie Rasmussen told the court that now that they have suficient information on the circumstances surrounding the assault it was better to enter a plea of guilty and get the mat-
ter dealt with immediately. Justice of the Peace Tui Short said that a probation report would need to be made, as sentencing for the offence is a prison term exceeding 6 months. Police prosecutor Maeva Kirikava agreed with the JP, asking that the matter is adjourned for two weeks. The case was adjourned to November 7 for sentencing and to await a probation report. Ngatokotoru Aratangi , 18, was arrested and charged with being unlawfully found on pri-
vate property. He was arrested and has been in remand since. Police prosecutor Maeva Kirikava requested that the matter be adjourned for a month, to await a psychiatric assessment by Dr Rangi Fariu. The matter was adjourned to 21 November and the defendant to remain in custody until then. No plea was entered for the charge. Tania Maungaati , 22, appeared on a charge of burglary. She had been arrested then released on bail on October 8,
after breaking and entering a house in Matavera. Her lawyer Wilkie Rasmussen said that he only just received the case and is not privy to police information, and under those circumstances no plea will be entered. Prosecution had no objection and the matter was adjourned to a callover on November 7. Iete Pukerua, 28, appeared in court for charges of wilful damage and assault on a female. Pukerua was charged with wilful damage after it was re-
Foreigners appearing in court a problem: JP A JUSTICE of the peace has commented on the amount of ‘foreigners’ appearing in court each week, saying that responsibility needs to be shown by agencies and employers moving people over from other Paciic nations. Justice of the Peace Tui Short told the court that although he was thinking aloud, fellow Paciic Islanders appearing in court on charges of drunk driving, assault and contempt of court was a real problem.
“It is a concern. I want to know what the responsibilities of those agencies or companies bringing these people here are,” he said. Short made the comment while making a sentencing decision for two charges of contempt of court, committed by imported Samoan rugby player Brian Toa who is currently playing for the Takuvaine Reds team. “Of course this kind of antisocial behaviour is the responsibility of the defendant, but there
needs to be a responsibility on behalf of those bringing them in. If I were to employ someone and bring them from overseas, government and court would expect me to take responsibility. That is my observation,” he added. The comments come after recent incidents of Paciic Island citizens from Fiji and Samoa being arrested and brought to court for serious offences such as assault. Toa is also currently up on a charge of rape.
Two arrests at weekend
eIGhT incidents over the weekend kept police on their toes. They were pleased that the majority of the incidents did not cause any major harm or injury. Police made two arrests and attended to three motor vehicle crashes, and three burglaries. “One male was arrested for breach of his court conditions and will appear in court tomorrow and another male was arrested for assault and will also to appear in court tomorrow,” says
Inspector Arama Tera. “The police also attended to three minor motor vehicle crashes but no one was seriously injured,” says Tera. Alcohol and electronics were taken from two public properties. “One tourist accommodation in Puaikura was burgled with electronics taken and one bar in Avarua was broken into with alcohol taken.” “One residence in Atupa was
broken into and we do not yet know what is missing,” says Tera. The police would like to remind the public to stay vigilant and keep their properties secured. The police would also like to remind the public to not drink and drive especially over the weekends. The Cook Islands Police Service appreciate the assistance of the public. - Sahiban Kanwal
He had been caught twice breaching bail conditions banning him from consuming alcohol and entering liquor licenced premises. In September, he had been seen at Hidie’s Bar by an off duty police oficer, and while being escorted to the police station, managed to escape and get away. The second time, just this month, police checked up on Toa at his home where it was observed he had recently consumed alcohol. Toa admitted he had been drinking on the beach with a friend, celebrating a recent win by Takuvaine Reds. His lawyer commented that Toa had been set up for failure, as it was common to celebrate and socialise with the team usually involving alcohol and being in a liquor licenced premises. He added that regardless of that there is no excuse, because Toa knew what his conditions were. Toa was convicted and ined $150 plus $30 court costs for both charges. The charge of rape, to which he had pleaded not guilty to, comes up for callover on November 7. - Merita Wi-Kaitaia
ported he had damaged louvers and a glass door on a private property. Police prosecutor Maeva Kirikava told the court that Pukerua was remanded in custody on October 9, and has remained there. He asked that the matter be adjourned for a month, as with the previous case, to await psychiatric assessment by Dr Fariu. He said that Pukerua’s family wish to have an assessment due to his irregular behaviour. No plea was entered and the matter adjourned to November 7. Jim Arai , 46, appeared on a charge of assault on a female. Arai has not yet entered a plea and due to his lawyer Norman George being in Atiu, lawyer Wilkie Rasmussen stood in as co-counsel to adjourn the matter until George returns. The matter was adjourned to Thursday October 31. Poaru Tatira, 43, appeared for a call-over regarding charges of discharging a firearm and presenting a firearm. He had pleaded not guilty to the charges and is awaiting a defended hearing before three justices of the peace. Crown prosecu-
tor Martha Henry asked that the matter be adjourned to January. Both she and Tatira’s lawyer Norman George will be busy with cases being brought before Justice Christine Grice and will not be able to attend a hearing then. She estimated it would take a day. The matter was adjourned to January 9 with bail conditions to continue. Tatira had been charged with discharging a firearm and presenting a firearm in November last year, allegedly while he was under the inluence of alcohol. As the crime was committed in Aitutaki either witnesses are lown in to Rarotonga or staff lown over to Aitutaki. Flying staff over has been mentioned as being the cheaper option. Akaleni Raukete , 21, was charged with failing to produce a driver’s licence. Police prosecutor Maeva Kirikava asked that the matter be withdrawn as the defendant had fulfilled requirements of his charge by paying his ine in full and on time. The matter was withdrawn. K - Merita Wi-Kaitaia
SCOTTS fArM
CHOOKSALE
In preparation for the inevitable downsizing, if not demise, caused by government's proposed tax reforms Scotts farm is immediately retiring 2500 mature hens at $2 each. Preference will be given to members of Cabinet and MfEM as a reminder of their persistent refusal to adopt any suggestions to support the local egg industry.
HOWTOCOOKA$2dISTrESSEdCHOOK PUrCHASE frOM SCOTTS fArM 1. Kill then pluck (in that order) 2. read the entrails for predictions of government's future (called extispicy) 3.do not attempt to roast (will be too tough) umu is best, otherwise 4.for softness and full lavour a) In saucepan just cover with water add seasoning etc b) bring to boil c) turn down to lowest heat d) simmer with lid on for 90 minutes (keep checking there is enough water) e)meat should peel of with ease f) great for stirfry, curry or salads g) Enjoy and thank the government.