Government of the Cook Islands
Rarotonga, Cook Islands
June 9, 2016
Furthering labour relations between the two Pacific Island nations was the focus of bilateral discussions between the Cook Islands and Kiribati governments on June 6.
Central to the discussions was the proposed Manihiki Pearl Divers Initiative Scheme that is currently being developed between the Manihiki pearl farmers, the Ministry of Marine Resources and the Kiribati Government.
“We were able to continue the discussions initiated by the Ministry of Marine Resources regarding this labour initiative and in particular the necessary protections for workers as well as the benefits to the Manihiki pearl farmers," said secretary of Internal Affairs, Bredina Drollet. Kiribati took the opportunity to outline several training initiatives delivered in Kiribati relating to the hospitality industry.
The Cook Islands noted that with shortages in the tourism sector there may be potential...