30 October 2005

Sir Tom Davis patron for Pacific Prosperity Conference

Fuimaono McCarthy, Chief Executive of the Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs, is delighted to confirm that former Cook Islands Prime Minister and Pacific elder statesman Sir Tom Davis has graciously accepted the Ministry’s invitation to be the Patron of its Pacific Prosperity Conference, to be held in Auckland from 21 to 23 November 2005.

“Sir Tom epitomises the purpose of the Conference: to encourage, motive and inspire Pacific peoples to achieve their fullest potential.

“In truth, Sir Tom was one of the pioneers in “Reach for the Stars,” one of the themes of the conference.”

Sir Tom’s background is truly remarkable. He has attended Otago, Harvard and Sydney Universities, published internationally renowned papers, been knighted by the Queen, been awarded the German Order of Merit and earlier this year was awarded the Otago University Doctor of Law Honoris Causa.

In 1955, he was on the leading edge of technology in the United States of America space programme before NASA was established.

Earlier, he practised medicine in Auckland and Rotorua, before returning to the Cook Islands where he became world renowned for his work curing and eliminating some tropical diseases.

During Sir Tom’s younger years he was a champion boxer, swimmer, and golfer and built three voyaging canoes.

Sir Tom has dedicated much of his life promoting the cause of Pacific peoples to reach their full potential.

He is natural leader and is famous for an array of leadership roles, not least of which includes Premier of the Cook Islands.

In a true reflection of his inner strength and motivation, Sir Tom was still working when he was 87 and refuses to retire from helping where he can. Sir Tom remains the Research Consultant to the Global Institute in Washington DC.

Sir Tom says getting the right education is key to a prosperous future. He is passionate about the objectives the conference and will deliver the keynote address.

ENDS

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