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The Deputy Prime Minister Sir Terepai Maoate this week reiterated his stance regarding aid funding.
He said Government "wants to do away with the peace meal type of funding of the past, which is not going to do our outer islands any good".
In furthering talks with the US Ambassador William P. McCormick Sir Terepai said that Government is optimistic that the US can have a role in the upgrading of airstrips in the Northern Group, which the US could possibly use as bases for air and sea surveillance of Pacific waters.
Sir Terepai pointed out to Ambassador McCormick that Rarotonga should not be taken as a true reflection of how things are in the aOuter Islands.
"Out there is where the main concerns are, so many of our people have migrated to New Zealand and Australia. Out there is where the most help is needed. The prosperity you see in Rarotonga, you will not see in the Outer Islands."
Sir Terepai also said Government was grateful that the US Government is offering to assist the Cook Islands to be able to identify the most feasible and most environmentally sound options in terms of exploring its manganese resource.
"It is not the US wanting a joint venture to mine our resource, but rather an offer to their experts to help the Cook Islands move in the right direction," Sir Terepai said.
He said Government is grateful for that offer of assistance, which has abeen referred to the Mangasnese Resource Review Committee.
Source: Office of DPM and Govmedia
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