Dancers at the 51st anniversary of self-governance with the annual Constitution Day ceremony at the National Auditorium on main island Rarotonga. Photo: RNZI/Eipuatiare Arthur
Public servants in the Cook Islands have been told they cannot be compelled by any law to attend any national event even if it is Constitution Day.
The Public Service Commissioner Russell Thomas made the comment in response to an address by the deputy prime minister Teariki Heather.
The minister regretted the poor attendance at last week's 51st Constitution Day celebrations at the National Auditorium.
Mr Heather said poor attendance could not be condoned and that he planned to raise the need for public servants to attend the national event in cabinet.
However, Mr Thomas has told the Cook Islands News that no public servant can be compelled by any law to attend the national event.
