Democratic Party Opposition leader Tina Pupuke Browne says in a media release, that a recent meeting with the Seabed Minerals Authority commissioner has helped give some reassurance that the agency will employ the highest good governance principles.
Democratic Party Leader Honourable Tina Browne and team addressing issues and concerns.
Browne says she and her team welcomed the meeting with Commissioner Alex Herman and the opportunity to clarify a number of issues.
The Opposition raise concerns regarding the membership of the proposed licensing panel stating that it would be a clear conflict of interest to appoint anyone who is involved in or associated with any commercial deep-sea mining activities. It was noted by the Opposition that the current directors of the Cook Islands Investment Corporation Seabed Resources Ltd (CIICSR) includes three foreigners all of whom are actively involved in commercial seabed mining and or exploration. The Opposition believes that the three of the directors who sit on the national seabed resources company who have commercial seabed mining and or exploration interests and pursuits is a clear conflict of interest.
Browne says they were pleased that Ms Herman advised that she is already aware of the directors of the CIICSR and that none of those who are involved in any commercial activity related to seabed resources would be considered for a licensing panel.
Concerns expressed that the Seabed Minerals Advisory Committee is breaching its terms of reference and functioning as a public relations machine for the agency rather than a committee that relays public recommendations and advice have been taken onboard by the Commissioner.
Seabed Minerals Commissioner Alex Herman responding to all issues, concerns and feedback.
“We also asked for reassurance that the agency must ensure it has an excellent legal and financial team when it enters any negotiations on behalf of our country and people, to ensure that we get the best possible benefit before we sign away any exploratory or extraction rights to any area of our EEZ.”
The Opposition has also cautioned the SBMA that the most robust financial laws to protect the interest of the Cook Islands people must be devised and included in the overarching financial regime in the seabed minerals act.
Overall they were pleased with the reassurances made by Ms Herman, and the cautious approach she is taking. And especially liked Ms Herman’s reassurance that she is constantly conscious of the fact she is dealing with public money and in the public interest which they found to be very encouraging
Source: Radio Cook Islands - The Voice of the Nation