Queen’s Representative Sir Tom Marsters has dissolved Cook Islands Parliament and announced 01 August 2022 as the election date.
He made the announcement in Rarotonga today.
Prime Minister Mark Brown will lead Cook Islands Party into the election. He has been PM since 01 October 2020. He was Deputy Prime Minister under former PM Henry Puna.
Meanwhile, Cabinet Secretary Harold Arthur Browne, or ‘JJ’ has been reappointed for a second, three-year term.
Browne returns to the role to “ensure continuity in the management of administrative support to Cabinet Services and the Executive Council”, the Office of the Public Service Commissioner said in a statement.
The Secretary to Cabinet reports directly to the Prime Minister, and operates at their direction. For administrative issues, such as performance management and financial review, Browne will report to the Chief of Staff of the Office of the Prime Minister.
Public Service Commissioner Carl Hunter, who issued a Warrant of Appointment confirming Browne’s position on Friday, commented he relied on Browne’s “proficiency and competence” so Cabinet had the “best information to enable them to make informed decisions on all matters relating to the national development of the Cook Islands”.
“I have enjoyed working closely on a weekly basis with Browne,” Hunter said.
“Browne has always demonstrated a high level of impartiality and professionalism, providing helpful advice and guidance whenever sought by CAC (Central Agencies Committee) colleagues or myself, said Hunter.
SOURCE: COOK ISLANDS NEWS/RADIO COOK ISLANDS/PACNEWS
