Covid 19 coronavirus: Dr. Joe Williams, former Prime Minister of the Cook Islands, has died

Dr Joe Williams, a former Prime Minister of the Cook Islands and a highly respected GP, died after contracting COVID-19 in Auckland.

The Pacifika Medical Association Group announced his death this morning.

Williams, 82, was admitted to hospital after he became ill when it is believed he may have been in close contact with someone related to the initial Auckland group. His Mt Wellington practice is not far from the Americold Refrigeration Store.

Williams served as Prime Minister of the Cook Islands for four months in 1999. Previously, he served as the country’s Minister of Health.

Williams served her country, the Cook Islands, her community in New Zealand, and her many patients for over 60 years. He spent 25 years in the Cook Islands, serving as Minister of Health and Education from 1974 to 1978, Minister of Health, Tourism, Transportation and State-Owned Enterprises from 1994 to 1996, and Prime Minister in 1999.

“We have had the privilege of serving you as our patron and we thank Ms. Jill Williams and her family for sharing it with us and the community,” the Pacifika Medical Association Group said in a press release.

“His love, generosity and kindness have touched so many families, friends and colleagues. He has left us all the gifts of his journey, and for that we will be eternally grateful.” Dr. Kiki Maoate ONZM, nephew and president of the Pasifika Medical Association.

His work in New Zealand, as a general practitioner and healthcare professional, resulted in his being recognized with an appointment to the Queen’s Order of Service after more than 50 years of service.

He has also worked with the World Health Organization and is a strong advocate for health within the Pasifika community in New Zealand.

Williams held many senior positions in the health sector in New Zealand, served on many advisory committees, and led the establishment of many organizations, including the Cook Islands Health Network.

He established the Mt Wellington Family Healthcare Integrated Clinic, which cared for more than 15,000 patients who traveled from all over New Zealand to see him and continued to practice medicine until his recent short illness.

Williams’ death comes after the first death related to Auckland’s covid-19 cluster was announced yesterday.

An Americold worker in his 50s died at Middlemore Hospital after battling the virus.

The man, who was the father of four children, was the first covid-19 death of the Auckland group that has infected 152 people.