The Deputy Prime Minister, the Honourable Mark Brown, today announced the appointment of Mr Bernard Hill as the inaugural member and Chair of the new Cook Islands Competition and Regulatory Authority.
The Authority is an independent statutory body that is responsible for regulating the Cook Islands telecommunications industry under the Government’s telecommunications reform package passed by Parliament in December last year. Mr Hill’s appointment is for a 3-year period commencing 31 March 2020.
‘I am pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Hill to this very important role as the first Cook Islands’ telecommunications regulator. The Authority and its Chair are critical to ensuring a successful transition from the current monopoly situation to an efficient, effective and competitive telecommunications market for the benefit of the industry and consumers.’ Minister Brown said.
Mr Hill is presently the Telecommunications Commissioner for the Solomon Islands and has been in that role since 2011 when the Commission was created under legislation establishing a competitive telecommunications market. He previously held the position of Head of Competition Affairs in the Office of the Telecommunications Authority in Hong Kong for 6 years where he also made a significant contribution to competition reform.
‘Mr Hill brings to the position a wealth of experience in regulating competitive telecommunications markets in Asia and the Pacific and comes highly regarded as a dynamic, competent, knowledgeable and effective regulator.’ Minister Brown said.
Mr Hill meets the statutory requirements for appointment to this position under the Competition and Regulatory Authority Act 2019 and was evaluated and recommended for appointment by an Evaluation Committee comprising the Financial Secretary, Solicitor-General and Public Service Commissioner.
For more information on the Authority, the Government’s telecommunications reform policy and the new legislative framework, please visit the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management’s website: http://www.mfem.gov.ck/economic-planning/telecommunications-reform-2019.