Cook Islands opposition supports Sunday flights

Transcript

The Cook Islands opposition says it supports the continuation of Sunday flights between Rarotonga and Aitutaki despite the result of a referendum.

In April, a majority voted for an end to the flights, with those wanting the ban saying Sunday is a sacred day when businesses shouldn't operate.

The One Cook Islands leader Teina Bishop told Mary Baines the flights should continue for social reasons.

TEINA BISHOP: We support the continuation of the Sunday air service to Aitutaki that was started in 2008.

MARY BAINES: And what are the reasons for that?

TB: There is economic reasons but my support was more for social, so that when people have funeral services or there's a family bereavement, or if someone wants to go to the hospital in Rarotonga, then the air service is available seven days a week.

MB: Ok. So what is the point in having a referendum if what the people vote for isn't the outcome?

TB: I think that question you have to ask the prime minister because I would have advised against it [a referendum]. So that you will have to pose to the prime minister. The cabinet, the people who uphold the law, know that in the constitution the Sunday sabbath observance of the Cook Islands enshrined in our constitution is a personal matter - why they decided to call a referendum I have no idea. But my stance will always be that I will stand by the constitutional right of the people of Aitutaki especially in my constituency, those seventh day adventists who do not worship on Sundays and also I will stand at the same time and defend the protestors' right to peacefully protest about their belief on that same day as well.

MB: The democratic right to have a say in the referendum - do you think the government should be following what the people want?

TB: No I think the challenge was there was no indication to the people as to what was meant by a non-binding referendum. The government failed, the cabinet failed to explain what non-binding means. To those who understood they didn't bother to go and vote because what's the point, but who those who felt and misunderstood that by having a referendum then a result will happen, I think they're the ones who have not been provided a fair education on the matter.

MB: So have we had any indication from the government as to when they are going to make a decision on the referendum?

TB: Funny you ask that. I've just asked the MP from the area, he says they haven't made a decision yet and will be talking about it in the very near future. But we have made our stand and we await the government's direction. Democracy is alive and well in the Cook Islands and I think it's a clear indication that the separation of religion and politics must be treaded very carefully as has been tested by this non-binding referendum.