RAMSI Special Coordinator Tim George has offered his condolences to the people and government of Cook Islands at the death of former Prime Minister Sir Thomas Davis.

“On behalf of all the members of the Regional Assistance Mission, I would like to extend our condolences to the people and government of Cook Islands at the sad passing away of Sir Thomas Davis”, Mr George said.

“The late Sir Thomas Davis had contributed much to Cook Islands in his time, as a politician and diplomat but was most instrumental in improving health standards in Cook Islands on his return from New Zealand as Cook Island’s first qualified doctor.”
 
Sir Thomas was Prime Minister of Cook Islands from 1978 to 1987. He was knighted by the Queen in 1981.
 
Mr George said the contribution of Cook Islands was greatly valued by all members of the Regional Assistance Mission.

“We greatly appreciate the Cook Islands Government’s strong commitment to RAMSI which it has demonstrated since RAMSI’s deployment in 2003,” Mr George said

“At this time of national mourning, we would like to extend our condolences to our fellow mission members from Cook Islands as they mourn the passing of their country’s first prime minister while they are far from home.”

Cook Islands was among one of the first Pacific countries to contribute police officers to the mission in July 2003.

“The participation of personnel from Pacific countries like Cook Islands are essential to the mission’s success,” Mr George said.