Geoffrey Henry facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Geoffrey Henry
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|---|---|
| 9th Speaker of the Cook Islands Parliament | |
| In office 18 February 2011 – 9 May 2012 |
|
| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Queen's Representative | Sir Frederick Tutu Goodwin |
| Preceded by | Mapu Taia |
| Succeeded by | Niki Rattle |
| 5th Deputy Prime Minister of the Cook Islands | |
| In office 19 November 2004 – 9 August 2005 |
|
| Prime Minister | Robert Woonton Jim Marurai |
| Queen's Representative | Sir Frederick Tutu Goodwin |
| Preceded by | Ngamau Munokoa |
| Succeeded by | Sir Terepai Maoate |
| In office 11 February 2002 – 30 January 2003 |
|
| Prime Minister | Robert Woonton |
| Queen's Representative | Sir Frederick Tutu Goodwin |
| Preceded by | Robert Woonton |
| Succeeded by | Sir Terepai Maoate |
| In office 16 November 1983 – 1985 |
|
| Prime Minister | Geoffrey Henry Sir Tom Davis |
| Queen's Representative | Sir Gaven Donne Sir Graham Speight (Acting) Sir Tangaroa Tangaroa |
| Preceded by | Sir Pupuke Robati |
| Succeeded by | Terepai Maoate |
| 3rd and 6th Prime Minister of the Cook Islands | |
| In office 1 February 1989 – 29 July 1999 |
|
| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Deputy | Inatio Akaruru |
| Queen's Representative | Sir Tangaroa Tangaroa Sir Apenera Short |
| Preceded by | Pupuke Robati |
| Succeeded by | Joe Williams |
| In office 13 April 1983 – 16 November 1983 |
|
| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Deputy | Vacant |
| Queen's Representative | Sir Gaven Donne |
| Preceded by | Sir Tom Davis |
| Succeeded by | Sir Tom Davis |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Geoffrey Arama Henry
16 November 1940 Aitutaki, Cook Islands |
| Died | 9 May 2012 (aged 71) Takuvaine, Rarotonga, Cook Islands |
| Political party | Cook Islands Party |
| Spouse | Lady Louisa Henry |
| Alma mater | Victoria University of Wellington |
Sir Geoffrey Arama Henry KBE (born November 16, 1940 – died May 9, 2012) was an important Cook Island politician. He served as the Prime Minister of the Cook Islands two times. He was also the leader of the Cook Islands Party (CIP) for many years, from 1979 to 2006.
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Early Life and Education
Geoffrey Henry was born on Aitutaki, one of the Cook Islands. His father was a deacon in the Cook Islands Christian Church on the island. Geoffrey Henry was also a first cousin to another famous politician, Albert Henry. He studied law and earned a law degree from Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand. He was married to Lady Louisa Henry.
Political Career Highlights
Geoffrey Henry first became a member of parliament when he was 24 years old. He joined the opposition party at that time. Later, in 1972, he joined the Cook Islands Party (CIP). He became the leader of the CIP in 1979. This happened after his cousin, Albert Henry, had to step down.
First Term as Prime Minister
Sir Geoffrey Henry's first time as Prime Minister was from April 13, 1983, to November 16, 1983. After this, he served as the Leader of the Opposition in the Parliament of the Cook Islands until 1989.
Second Term as Prime Minister
His second time as Prime Minister began on February 1, 1989. He held this important role for a long time, until July 29, 1999. He decided to resign at that time. Even after stepping down as Prime Minister, he remained the leader of the Cook Islands Party. Joe Williams took over as Prime Minister after him.
Deputy Prime Minister and Retirement
In November 2004, Sir Geoffrey Henry became the Deputy Prime Minister. He also served as the Minister of Finance. He was part of a government that worked together with other parties, led by Robert Woonton. He continued in these roles until 2006. In 2006, he decided to retire from politics. He also stepped down as the leader of the Cook Islands Party. Henry Puna then became the new leader of the CIP.
Speaker of Parliament
Even after retiring, Sir Geoffrey Henry continued to serve his country. On February 18, 2011, he was chosen to be the Speaker of the Cook Islands Parliament. This is a very important role, where he helped lead discussions and keep order in the parliament.
Honours and Awards
Sir Geoffrey Henry received several special awards for his service.
- In 1977, he was given the Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal.
- On June 13, 1992, while he was Prime Minister, Queen Elizabeth II made him a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE). This means he was given the title "Sir."
Life After Politics
After his main political career, Sir Geoffrey Henry stayed active in his community.
- On April 16, 2009, he was elected as the president of the Cook Islands Sports and National Olympic Committee. He served for a four-year term.
- The Sir Geoffrey Henry National Culture Centre in Avarua is named in his honour. This shows how much he was respected and remembered.
Sir Geoffrey Henry passed away on May 9, 2012. He was 71 years old and died at his home in Takuvaine, Rarotonga.
