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Former Prime Minister of the Cook Islands and Auckland-based GP, Dr Joseph Williams, has passed away at the age of 82.
Source: Governor General’s website
The Ministry of Health has confirmed this morning that his death is the second death related to Covid-19 in the same number of days.
Dr. Williams was admitted to Auckland City Hospital on August 13 and passed away last night.
In his 80s, Dr. Williams was also a widely regarded member of the health services in both New Zealand and the Cook Islands. He was a patron of the Pasifika Medical Association.
The Pasifika Medical Association reported his death this morning.
Dr. Williams’ medical practice is located near the Americold Refrigeration Store in Mt Wellington, where employees tested positive for the virus. Dr. Williams continued to practice medicine until his “recent illness,” said the Pasifika Medical Association.
Paying tribute to Dr. Williams, his nephew, Dr. Kiki Maoate ONZM said: “His love, generosity and kindness have touched so many families, friends and colleagues. He has left us all the gifts of his trip, and for that we will be eternally grateful. ”
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The action comes after a prominent Cook Islands doctor in Auckland tested positive for Covid-19, while another Cook Islands doctor working at Americold also tested positive. Source: 1 NEWS
Dr. Williams spent 25 years in the Cook Islands and served as Prime Minister of the Cook Islands in 1999.
He held many high-level 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.
The Director General of Health, Dr. Ashley Bloomfield, described him as a well-known politician, physician, and published author.
“Dr. Williams was seen as a leading figure in the Cook Islands medical community and we will sadly miss him.
“Today’s sad news reinforces once again the importance of our shared vigilance against Covid-19, the dire consequences that the virus can bring, and the steps we must all take to stop the spread, break any chain of transmission, and prevent deaths. “
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Winston Peters paid tribute to Dr. Williams, who was also a candidate for First New Zealand in 2005.
“Dr. Williams, former Prime Minister of the Cook Islands, has made a very significant contribution to both his home countries through a lifetime of service,” Peters said.
“As a physician, health researcher, and politician, Dr. Williams made a serious mark on the communities he served. We will miss him very much in both New Zealand and the Cook Islands. “
Peters offered his condolences to the family of Dr. Williams, as well as to the people and government of the Cook Islands.
The passing of Dr. Williams follows the death of a man in his 50s yesterday, the first Covid-19-related death in New Zealand since May 28, more than three months ago.
The number of Covid-19 related deaths in New Zealand is now 24.
