Letter: Are these comments full of racism and arrogance?

Dear Editor, I am referring to the CI News article (June 17) about New Zealand Minister Shane Jones, in which he is quoted as saying. “Some of the doctors in Aitutaki are of Burmese descent.

They showed no concern for my status as a young MP and stuck a needle designed for horses directly into the wound I had sustained after falling off a motorcycle.”

This refers to an incident that happened 20 years ago.

Well, Mr Jones, you should know that those “Burmese” doctors were vital to the health of our people and they were highly dedicated, well respected, and very professional over the years.

In this case, you are not the same as you are.

I think your comments are racist and arrogant.

Maybe an apology?

Peter Heath

We are grateful to the doctors from Myanmar.

During a recent visit by New Zealand Cabinet Minister Shane Jones, you cited his experience 20 years ago when “some of the doctors in Aitutaki were of Burmese descent. They didn’t care that I was a young MP and just stuck a needle designed for horses into the wound I had sustained”.

I would like to humbly point out to Mr Jones and others who may be affected by his racist and arrogant comments that it was those doctors in Aitutaki who saved me nearly 20 years ago before I was rushed to New Zealand after contracting bacterial meningitis. Although I was not a “young MP”, the attention and care I received was outstanding. These doctors worked at Rarotonga Hospital, serving the people of the Cook Islands and tourists who were far more grateful than Mr Jones.

Mr Jones claims that Rarotonga is a “special place” to him. I urge him not to test the generosity of the people of the Cook Islands. They are one of the main reasons why Rarotonga, and the country as a whole, is so special. While humility may not be common among young MPs, I imagine it does come with age.

John Hay

astronomy

Notes to Editors
– Cook Islands News invited Minister Jones to respond to the letters. However, his spokesman said: “Thank you for your email and kind invitation to respond to your letters to the editor. Minister Jones declines to respond but thanks for giving me this opportunity.”