Almost half of new graduates employed are fired due to unacceptable behaviour and poor performance, a new survey has found.

This year the Samoa Quality Authority (S.Q.A.), mandated by its Act, conducted the Survey of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (T.V.E.T.) Graduates’ Employers – a follow up to their tracer study of graduates conducted last year.

A draft copy of the survey results, given to the Samoa Observer, reveal that for the former employees who were terminated due to obvious reasons, they mostly left work four-plus years after recruitment rested at 50 percent.

“Termination of employment was mainly due to unacceptable behavior and poor performance,” the Survey reads.

“The qualifications of most graduates in this category were Certificate in Computer and Information Management, Certificate in Office Administration, Certificate in Office Administration and Document Production, Diploma in Media and

Journalism, Intermediate Certificate in Automotive Engineering.”

In answering the survey questions S.Q.A. asked that the respondents’ assessment include the rating the level of importance of each skill required for the graduates’ occupations.

“For each occupation, the respondents were asked to indicate the skills required, and to rate the level of importance of individual skills on a four point scale -1 = ‘not important’ to 4 = ‘very important’,” the Survey reads.

“All of the skills indicated for each occupation were rated on the scale of ‘important’ to ‘very important’.

“This suggests that all of the skills indicated by respondents…were necessary for the graduates in the workplace.”

The S.Q.A. says the respondents were also asked to rate the level of graduate-performance for each of the required skills on a five-point scale: 1 = ‘very poor’ to 5 = ‘excellent’.

“This was aimed at determining the skills that the graduates demonstrated below average and/or very poor in the workplace upon recruitment up to the point of the Survey.

“52 per cent of total graduates covered, 202 out of 391, were identified by the respondents to have all of the skills required and applied in the workplace rated on the scales of ‘above average’ to ‘excellent’.

“In contrast, 48 percent of total graduates covered, 189 out of 391, were identified with skills and knowledge rated on the scale of ‘average’ to ‘very poor’.

“Almost all of these graduates have improved overtime on these ‘average’ to ‘very poor’ skills in the workplace through training, coaching and supervision.”

The Survey further reveals that the other proportion which have not improved were indicated by respondents to have shown no interest, and-or lacked motivation to enhance their ‘average’ to ‘very poor’ performances in the workplace.

“A significant distinction was found in terms of respondents’ feedback in this survey compared to graduates’ responses in the 2013 tracer study - the indication of required ‘attributes’,” the survey reads.

“The respondents indicated for some of the occupations, the need for ‘good work commitment’ in terms of discipline and/or performance, attendance, and punctually.

“This was a result of the identification of ‘poor work commitment’ as a common issue for several graduates of most of the P.S.E.T. providers.”

According to the survey, generic skills were the largest set of skills that were rated average to very poor for most of the graduates.

“Commonly indicated for most of the graduates by occupations were the generic skills of communication, computing, customer service, management, and office administration were commonly indicated across many occupations."

“The importance of generic skills was noted in the identification of ‘workplace skills’ as one of the main employability aspects often considered by employers when recruiting new workers."

“Most of the workplace skills selected by respondents were also indicated in the skills rated average to very poor in the assessment of graduates’ performances.”

In light of this information, the S.Q.A. asked for suggestions from employers on how the graduates could improve. “The common suggestions by respondents for P.S.E.T. providers’ to enhance the capacity of their graduates were to include and/or improve training of skills lacking by graduates indicated for each occupations and/or P.S.E.T. providers."

“To gather information on and include in training the learning of ‘employer requirements’ (as well as ‘good work commitment) so that students are aware of what is expected."

“To provide relevant and sufficient opportunities for work experience and/or practical learning during training."

“To update learning materials as well as tools and equipment used during training to match those used in workplaces and to encourage students to undertake study programs suitable to their capacities and to take up occupations that match their qualifications/skills.”

The S.Q.A. reports that suggestions made by graduates in the 2013 tracer study included better/more qualified teachers, the availability of sufficient and adequate resources for learning and more practical exercises were to be conducted.

“(Also) fees to be well structured and for appropriate student-support services to be in place,” the survey reads. “Suggestions made by employers in this survey further support the suggestions made by the graduates in the 2013 study.”

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PR - Riverside Samoa was one of the eleven suppliers who attended the recent Samoa Tourism Australia Road Show last week.

The road show took us to the three major cities of Australia – Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney over three days, one day in each city – which saw almost 100 travel agents in attendance.

We had an amazing host from the Auckland Samoa Tourism Authority (S.T.A.) office, Fasitau Ula who single handedly organised, coordinated and familiarised us with the Road Show.

There were eight accommodation/tourism suppliers - Le Vasa Resort, Riverside Samoa, Saletoga Sands Resort & Spa, Samoa Scenic, Seabreeze Resort, Sheraton Aggie Grey’s Resort, Sinalei Reef Resort & Spa and the Tanoa Tusitala - in addition to three airline suppliers – Air New Zealand, Fiji Airways and Virgin Samoa. At each road show destination, each supplier gave a five-minute presentation using a table top style to present where we moved from one table to another.

There were on average ten groups of travel agents, which meant giving ten presentations from each supplier per venue.

This was only the second time that S.T.A. Australia Road show has been held and our first time as an Accommodation Supplier.

It was definitely a most valuable experience for our business especially as we have just rebranded our accommodation business and have a new marketing strategy.

One of the key changes is to change our business from Riverside Bed & Breakfast to Riverside Samoa, a collection of vacation homes. We look forward to more of these tourism events where we have the opportunity to market directly/face-to-face our tourism business.

It has given us a tremendous opportunity to not only network with the Australian based agents but also to network with our local tourism operators.

We acknowledge the support of S.T.A. – both the Apia and Auckland staff - and also the Private Sector Support Facility (P.S.S.F.) through which we received partial funding for this event. As a small tourism operator, this money was invaluable.

We also had the support of our Consulate General of Samoa, Fonoti Etuale Ioane in Sydney, and High Commission of Samoa Counsellor, Fata Brian Kaio in Canberra, who were great advocates for Samoa and it’s tourism sector.

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Students, children, grown men and women have been flocking to rub shoulders with some of Samoa’s new-found sporting idols.

This has been the case for the past couple of days since a Toa Samoa rugby league delegation arrived on the big island as part of a thank you tour.

The trip followed the Four Nations tournament where Samoa played a starring role, earning the respect of the world by pushing England and New Zealand close during their matches.

Back in Samoa, the performance of the team has certainly boosted local interest in rugby league, which is usually dwarfed by the interest in rugby union. This is not lost on the administrators of the sport here. It is also why they have decided to return to Samoa to acknowledge the tapuaiga from the country.

For the people of Savai’i, seeing the Toa Samoa stars return to thank them for their support has been priceless.

Leading the delegation are senior players Frank Pritchard, Reni Maitua, the unstoppable BJ Leilua among others.

Some of the players are joined by their partners and girlfriends as they make their way around the island, enjoying the scenery and the beauty of Savai’i.

The Toa Samoa’s effort during the Four Nations was acknowledged by Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, during a meeting with the team last Friday.

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The relative accused over the death of a young accountant, killed during an inferno at Nu’u last month, appeared before the Supreme Court yesterday.

Elisaia Toetu, a 21-year-old relative of the late Taulapapa Taupule Sione, who died during the suspicious fire, made his first public appearance yesterday, on his way to and from Court.

He was heavily guarded by Police officers.

He also threw a towel to cover his face outside the Court where the media waited for him.

Sione was burnt to death when a house she shared with the relative was burnt to the ground on a Sunday morning.

Yesterday, the defendant appeared before the Chief Justice, His Honour Patu Tiava’asue Falefatu Sapolu. Tole’afoa Vaega Lei Sam appeared on behalf of defence counsel, Papali’i Lio Masipau. When the proceedings got underway, Mr. Lei Sam made an application for the Court to adjourn the matter.

His Honour Chief Justice Patu granted the application before adjourning it until 1 December 2014. The specific charges against the defendant were not revealed in Court yesterday.

His Honour Patu, however, ruled to keep the defendant under the Police custody.

Ms. Sione’s death shocked the nation last month when it emerged that a relative had been charged in relation to the incident.

Ms. Sione, who was planning to get married on 27 December, was working for local accounting firm, Lesa ma Penn.

She had recently graduated from Auckland New Zealand, with her family saying she was a bright young girl with big plans for the future.

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“The D.V Police treated me with respect. They took photographs and asked about all the details with what happened” – Mele

What do you do if you are the victim of ongoing physical/sexual abuse from your partner or husband?

Speaking with Mele*, she says “reporting the matter to the Police rather than continue to be a victim to the violence of your partner is important. I am a lot happier now.”

Earlier this year, Mele was seriously assaulted by her husband that led to her being admitted to hospital for several days for treatment.

As a result of the assault, the Police Domestic Violence Unit (D.V.U) was advised and a formal complaint was documented.

The Police carried out their enquiries that required witnesses to be interviewed, a scene examination and forensic evidence gathered to support the Police statement provided by Mele.

“The D.V.U Police treated me with respect,” said Mele. “They took photographs and asked about all the details with what happened.”

Fortunately, Mele had strong family support. She did not require intervention from support agencies such as Samoa Victim Support Group (S.V.S.G).

The D.V.U officer in charge of the assault case is D/Sgt Tofilau Junior Tofilau.

He said that it is important that all victims receive support either from family, villages or support agencies. It is often very difficult for women to make complaints so they need to understand they will be supported through the court process.

After Mele made her complaint, her husband was arrested and charged.

He appeared in court and was convicted to several years of imprisonment for the assault.

”This was not the first time I had been beaten by my husband,” said Mele.

“He would often beat me when he had been drinking. I was scared of him. I am happy now as I am free. If I had not been strong enough to make my complaint I would still be getting beaten. I am grateful to the Police for helping me with my case, especially D/Sgt Tofilau.” Detective Sergeant Ian McCambridge who is a New Zealand Police Domestic Violence mentor working with the Pacific Prevention of Domestic Violence Programme (P.P.D.V.P), funded by the New Zealand

Aid programme, said this is a very common story both in New Zealand and Samoa.

“There are so many people living unhappy lives because of abuse from their partners,” said Mr. McCambridge.

“They do not have to live like that but need the strength and support to speak out. I personally believe that unless domestic violence offenders are made accountable by their victims they will continue to offend and repeat their behaviour.”

“Mele is now living a happy healthy life without fear of her husband. I admire her.”

In June 2013, the Family Safety Act became law in Samoa.

The Act allows for victims of violence to apply for a Protection Order against an offending party. If the Family Court is satisfied the applicant and/or their children are at risk a Protection Order can be issued with conditions to safeguard the applicant. Should those conditions be breached the Police have the power to arrest for the breach. A Protection Order can empower an applicant and may reduce the risk of further violence.

*Mele is not her real name. The name has been changed to protect

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Think a minute…

You know that all of the world’s progress has come from people who just weren’t satisfied to let well enough alone. Sir Francis Bacon said: “Acorns and nuts were good, until someone invented bread.” So after you’ve succeeded a little, don’t make the mistake of stopping. If you can’t think up a new idea or invention, then find a way to improve an old one. Someone said: “The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra.”

Remember, the enemy of the best is second best. So if you’re satisfied with just what’s good, you’ll never have the best. A famous sports coach said: “It’s what you learn after you know it all that really counts.” When you think you know it all, you stop improving. If we think we’ve arrived, we’ll get left behind. Successful people keep looking for better work even after they’ve found a job. “We may all live under the same sky, but we don’t all have the same horizon.” Expanding your horizons means choosing to see the bigger picture and opportunities for success all around you.

A woman’s view of life was changed forever when in a restaurant she met Picasso, the world-famous artist. She asked him to write something on her dinner napkin. Picasso scribbled something quickly and said to her: “That will be $10,000.” Shocked, the woman said to him: “But you did that in just thirty seconds!” Picasso answered: “No, it’s taken me 40 years to do that.”

God’s given each of us so much potential. We can, and should, keep learning and improving all our life. So if what you did yesterday is still good enough for you, then you haven’t done much today. Don’t just “get by”, get high on life by always learning new things every day. You see, when God stretches you, you never snap back to your original size and shape. You’re always a bit bigger and better than before. So why not ask Jesus to forgive you for not living up to the kind of life He created you to live? Then ask Him to take charge and start showing you every day His better way. Just Think a Minute…

The District Court is facing a major overhaul.
That’s what the Justice, Police and Prison and Land and Titles (J.P.P.L.T.) Committee recommended to Parliament to consider.
The Chairman of the Committee is the Associate Minister of Finance, Tuisa Tasi Patea. This is the report in full:

The Justice, Police & Prison and Land & Titles Committee recommends that the Assembly takes note of its Report.

1. RESOLUTION: At the conclusion of its considerations, the Committee resolved to recommend that the Assembly:- Approve P.P. 2013/2014 No.6, Report of the Samoa Law Reform Commission on the District Court Act 1969, Report 12/13.

2. RECOMMENDATION: At the conclusion of its findings, the Committee recommends the Government: To consider the report of the Samoa Law Reform Commission and its Recommendations for the reformation of the District Court Act 1969.

3.FINDINGS: The reviewing and reforming of the District Court Act 1969 was based on the reference to the Commission from the Cabinet in November 2008. Due to the preliminary consultations and research undertook by the Commission, they were able to present a number of recommendations directly affecting the reviewing of the District Court Act 1969. There were five (5) key matters that were mainly covered by the recommendations presented due to its research, as well as its consultations and written submissions by interested parties. - Jurisdiction of the District Court: One of the primary factors that the Commission considered includes:

(i) Civil Jurisdiction of the

District Court:
There were various views expressed by stakeholders, however most were more on the actual monetary limit of the civil jurisdiction, with some suggesting $20,000, $40,000 or $50,000, Most stakeholders commented that a lot of the claims that are tried in the Supreme Court are cases that could be heard and determined in the District Court. The commission also considered provisions that are placed and operated within overseas countries such as New Zealand and Victoria Australia regarding the matter of civil jurisdiction of the district court, and attempted to compare them with Samoa’s current operations. According to this, the Commission recommended that the civil jurisdiction of the District Court is to remain at $10,000 for the hearing of claims within the court. These cases includes civil monetary claims, namely under statute, debt or damages.

(ii) Civil Jurisdiction of the

Faamasino Fesoasoani:
In relation to the civil jurisdiction of the Faamasino Fesoasoani Court, many stakeholders considered that there was no need for an original or an extended jurisdiction as it was found to be impractical and slowed down the hearing of minor matters. It was recommended by stakeholders that the jurisdiction of the Faamasino Fesoasoani Court be raised to $5,000. The Committee noted, the Commission considers the civil dual jurisdiction (ordinary and extended) of the Faamasino Fesoasoani Court, is now unnecessary. The requirement for the approval of the Chief Justice to extend the jurisdiction of the Faamasino Fesoasoani Court tends to unnecessarily prolong proceedings. As such, the Commission recommends that the extended jurisdiction of the Faamasino Fesoasoani Court be removed, particularly in light of the Commission’s recommendation to increase the Faamasino Fesoasoani Court’s ordinary civil jurisdiction from $1,000 to $2,000.

(iii) Criminal Jurisdiction of the District Court:
According to the Commission’s findings, the District Court under its criminal jurisdiction may try any offence that is punishable by a fine, penalty or forfeiture of any amount or a term of imprisonment not exceeding five years. The Committee noted, there was a general consensus that the jurisdiction of the District Court in both civil and criminal cases should be increased. In contrast with jurisdictions overseas, Samoa‘s jurisdiction is quite low. Further, the introduction of the Crimes Act 2013 has increased many of the penalties for criminal offences, and Samoa’s growing economy means that many civil proceedings also deal with higher monetary claims. The Commission recommends increasing the criminal jurisdiction of the District Court to try any offence that is punishable by a fine, penalty or forfeiture of any amount or a term of imprisonment not exceeding seven (7) years (an increase from the current maximum the of imprisonment of five (5) years). The Committee considers the recommendations given and accepts as presented by the Commission.

(iv) Criminal Jurisdiction of the Faamasino Fesoasoani:
As in the civil jurisdiction, the Faamasino Fesoasoani has both an ordinary criminal jurisdiction and extended jurisdiction. In its ordinary jurisdiction, the Faamasino Fesoasoani can hear, determine and impose sentence for any offence for which the maximum penalty does not exceed one year imprisonment or a fine of $1,000. Even though there were various opinions viewed by stakeholders, the Commission recommends that the criminal jurisdiction of the Faamasino Fesoasoani is to remain as it is. The Committee considers this recommendation from the Commission and fully supports it.

(v) Summary Jurisdiction:
The Commission had also raised the issue whether summary judgment should be included in the jurisdiction of the District Court as currently there is no provision that allows for summary judgment. It is also recommended that to further avoid delays in the determination of simple civil claims, the jurisdiction of the District Court should also extend to include summary jurisdiction. With summary jurisdiction, summary judgment can then be utilized where necessary on a case by case basis. Accordingly, the Commission recommends that the District Court (including the Faamasino Fesoasoani) to be a court of summary jurisdiction. The Committee noted the importance of how the Commission considered this situation and recommended upon it in order to uplift the service of the Justice department. For that reason, the Committee approves the recommendations given by the Commission.

Transfer of Proceedings:
(i) Transfer of civil proceedings from the District Court to the Supreme Court: Based on the provisions of the current Act, a matter that is initiated in the civil jurisdiction of the District Court can be transferred to the Supreme Court if the matter exceeds $5,000 and, as such is outside the District Courts jurisdiction. The defendant may seek leave of the District Court to object to the matter being heard in the District Court. The Judge upon notice of such objection must order that the transfer be made to the Supreme Court. Also any civil claim not exceeding $5,000 which is commenced in the District Court may also be transferred to the Supreme Court.

(ii) Transfer of civil proceedings from the Supreme Court to the
District Court:
A transfer of a civil matter that was commenced in the Supreme Court to the District Court can occur either because the subject matter of the proceeding is within the jurisdiction of the District Court or with the agreement of the parties. A Supreme Court judge on the application of any parry to the proceeding can order that the proceedings be transferred to the District Court. There are no provisions in the Current Act on whether matters can be transferred between the District Court and Faamasino Fesoasoani. Throughout the consultations undertook by the Commission, few recommendations were brought forward including: 1. The amounts in the transfer of proceedings sections to be increased from $5,000 to the current jurisdiction of $10,000. 2. Transfer of proceedings to be a discretional power of the Judges based on jurisdiction. 3. All parties to the proceeding to be informed in writing by the Registrar if the Judge is of the opinion that it is to be transferred either from the District Court to the Supreme Court or from the Faamasino Fesoasoani to the District Court. The Committee noted every finding by the Commission due to these matters and found it appropriate, and fully considers it and approved.

Roles, Responsibilities and Duties of the Judiciary and Court Officers Currently in the District Court Act, it does not expressly set out the roles, powers and responsibilities of District Court Judges except to state their secondary role as Coroners by virtue of their office.

There are no provisions that set out the functions and roles of a Faamasino Fesoasoani except the provision on the appointment and tenure of Judges and Faamasino Fesoasoani. The Committee considered the importance of protection and having honesty in all cases operating as well as making decisions. It is the Commission’s view that the Act should clearly set out provisions encompassing the appointment, tenure and removal of the District Court Judges (including

Faamasino Fesoasoani). According to the United Nation Basic Principles on the Independence of the Judiciary sets out that persons selected for judicial office should be individuals with integrity and ability with appropriate training or qualifications in law. The Committee noted that these recommendations from the Commission are appropriately set out due to the results of their finding. The Committee considers and approves it.

The Different Divisions of the District Court There are currently three divisions of the District Court: 1. Youth matters; 2. Family matters; and 3. Coronial inquests apart from its general jurisdiction. However, these divisions are not formally set out in the District Courts Act. Rather, the Youth Court is established by the Young Offenders Act 2007 as a division of the District Court. The Young Offenders Act 2007 sets out the jurisdiction of the Youth Court which are proceedings of the criminal nature. The District Courts Act also contains provisions that refer to matters such guardianship, custody of infants and destitute and delinquent children.

The Committee noted from the Commission’s findings that the Youth Court is well established by the Young Offenders Act 2007. However, the Commission considers there is value in recognizing the Youth Court as a Division of the District

Court in the District Courts Act. In terms of family matters, they are brought under the Infants Ordinance 1961 and the Maintenance and Affiliation Act 1967.

The Commission stretched its investigations on other overseas countries such as Victoria Australia, who also set out and establish provisions for different divisions of the Magistrates’ Court which includes Family Violence Court Division. It is the Commission’s view that the District Courts Act should establish the Family Court and clearly define its jurisdiction. The recent passing of the Family Safety Act 2013 further creates the need for the District Courts Act to formally establish the Family Court under its auspices.

The Commission sees advantage in establishing a further division of the District Court called the Drugs and Alcohol Court. The Commission also believes that the Alcohol and Other Drugs Treatment Court (AODT) is a pilot designed to supervise offenders whose offending is driven by their alcohol or other drug dependency. The AODT Court focuses on treating a defendant’s alcohol or other drugs dependency to help prevent them from committing further crime, it aims to: - reduce reoffending - reduce alcohol and other drug use dependency - reduce the use of imprisonment - positively impact on the defendant’s health and wellbeing, and - be cost-effective It is certain that alcohol and drugs presents major problem to Samoa’s court and to Samoan society. Therefore it is important that the Courts take a proactive stance towards reducing reoffending as a result of alcohol and drugs. All the significant factors as laid in the Commission’s report such as Recommendation 21 and Recommendation 22 to enable the establishment and enforcement of the Family Court, Youth Court and Alcohol and Drugs Court as divisions of the District Court. Further, to create jurisdiction and procedures for the Youth Court, Family Court and the Alcohol and Drugs Court to be established and included in the District Court Act. The Commission had also raised the issue whether the Faamasino Fesoasoani should be established as small claims court According to its consultation with several stakeholders, opinions were viewed that the current structure of the Faamasino Fesoasoani Court is fine as it is. The Commission recommended through its Recommendation 23, that the Faamasino Fesoasoani Court is to remain as pan of the District Court and to have its jurisdictions and procedures set out as well as limitations on what the Faamasino Fesoasoani Court can hear and determine. The Coroners

Ordinance 1959 establishes the functions and powers of coroners. In Section 9 of the District Court Act refers to District Court Judges as Coroners. However, the Commission does not recommend that the Coroners Court be recognized as a division of the District Court. The Commission reminded their Final Report on the review and reform of the Coroners Ordinance l959 recommended that the appointment of coroners should be separate from the judiciary to ensure that persons appointed as Coroners have the required skills and expertise. All in all, the Committee considers the recommendations given by the Commission and entirely approves clue to its findings that they commenced.

4. ASSISTANCE (T.T 156):
The Committee sough assistance from the Ministry of Police & Prisons during the course of its deliberations:- Samoa Law Reform Commission. Leota Theresa Potoi - Executive Director Pale Fuimaono - Assistant Executive Director

5. RECCOMENDATION FOR REFORM: Changes and recommendations have only been made where the Law Reform Commission considered appropriate in order to improve the duties and roles of the District Court. The reforms by the Commission take into account in order to enhance Samoa‘s society, culture and economy to better address the needs of the Government and the community. The Committee in its review of the Report of the Samoa Law Reform Commission on the District Court Act 1969, 24 Recommendations were outlined within the report.

6. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:
The Committee acknowledges the Commission for the hard work put into making this report possible in order to meet the Commission’s main objectives.
7. STANDING ORDERS 173: In accordance with the provisions of Standing Orders 173, it shall be the duty of the Committee to:- (a) To consider any Bill, petition or other matter referred by the Assembly or pursuant to Standing Orders; and such Estimates or review of ministerial performance as maybe referred by the Finance & Expenditure Committee; (b) To consider private bills; (c) To examine the policy, administration and expenditure of the ministries and associated government organizations related to central government advisory services, security intelligence, statistics and services to Parliament.

8. RESOLUTION:
At the conclusion of its considerations, the Committee resolved to recommend that the Assembly P.P. 2014/2015 No.6, Report of the Samoa Law Reform Commission on the District Court 1969, Report 12/13. Tuisa Tasi Patea, CHAIRMAN
Afoafouvale John Moors, DEPUTY CHAIRMAN Tapuai Toese Ah Sam, MEMBER Lenatai Victor Tamapua, MEMBER Lafaitele Patrick Leiataualesa, MEMBER Papali’i Lio Masipau, MEMBER Lefau Harry Schuster, MEMBER Erosi Koria, COMMITTEE CLERK

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“It is like an enrichment playing against the three big nations in the rugby league spectrum and coming out with those competitive results. It is a reward for the hard work over a long time and people are very happy with the performance of the team” – Tagaloa Fa’afouina Su’a

The annual Pacific Test is set to be expanded to a double-header involving Samoa, Tonga, Fiji and Papua New Guinea in a bid to build on the momentum created by this year’s Four Nations.

Samoa’s performance in the tournament has underlined the potential of the Pacific nations to provide genuine international competition for the big three of Australia, New Zealand and England, and officials want them to continue to play regular Tests.

With no Four Nations next season and doubts over its future after the 2016 tournament – in Britain, and including Scotland – it has been proposed that Samoa, Tonga, Fiji and PNG all play on the NRL’s stand-alone representative weekend that already features the Anzac Test and City-Country match.

For the past two seasons, the Pacific Test has been played at Penrith Stadium and this year featured Samoa beating Fiji 32-16 to claim a place in the

Four Nations, while Tonga beat Samoa 36-4 last year.

By expanding the concept to a double-header, the four biggest Pacific nations would be guaranteed at least one Test a year between World Cups for which their NRL players would be available.

That 180 NRL stars featured in last year’s World Cup shows the players support international football and want to represent their countries at Test level, and clubs have been supportive as most return as better players.

However, speculation the Rugby League International Federation favours the reintroduction of traditional Kangaroos and Lions tours at the expense of the Four Nations after the 2017 World Cup would leave players with little incentive to play for developing nations and clubs to release them.

The idea of staging a double-header is believed to have the backing of the NRL, which is committed to developing the game in the Pacific and will this week send a delegation led by head of football Todd Greenberg, Australian coach Tim Sheens and Parramatta star Semi Radradra to Fiji, where the game has been booming since the Bati qualified for the semi-finals of last year’s World Cup.

NRL chief executive Dave Smith, dual code superstar Sonny Bill Williams and Sheens undertook a similar trip to Samoa in August and Rugby League Samoa president Tagaloa Fa’afouina Su’a said the results in the Four Nations had furthered interest in the game.

The team was invited to meet Prime Minister Tuilaepa Aiono Sailele Malielegaoi last Friday in Apia.

“Our people are very proud of the boys’ performance,” Su’a said.

“It is like an enrichment playing against the three big nations in the rugby league spectrum and coming out with those competitive results. It is a reward for the hard work over a long time and people are very happy with the performance of the team.

You need to meet twice or at least once a week. While you are seriously job hunting. Chances are you will be asked if you know someone with skills other than your own.

Now let’s go more deeply into the ways that Co-op membership can help you with finding your best lifetime skills, your motivated skills. Also enable you to practice interview strategies, and counsel you on your Job Power Report.

There is a great advantage to doing something with a group of people, fellow students, friends. Another is in knowing that others present are willing to help you if you have difficulty. There will surely be some misunderstanding but you are all mature enough to survive those, especially when you accept the basic rule which is: Each person has some kinds of excellence, and the purpose of the Co-op is to help each become aware of the skills and talents that combine to make that excellence a reality, with potential for improvement. Remember and remember well: cooperation is better than competition!

Yet another value of working with a group is the fact that sharing your self-knowledge, especially your achievements, not only increases your own awareness of their hidden meanings but also their reality, and also earns you the respect of the others for what you’ve got. Other benefits include the opportunity to practice what to say at interviews, and the suggestions from others, and how to overcome and cope with the variety of problems that arise when life goes merrily on.As you can see all are advantages, it is a excellent training ground, and a way to knock doors and meet people without telling them that you are looking for a job-( and they will tell you that they don’t have a job), fine, but you have the chance to expound your skills and talents and he/she will listen, since you are not “looking for a job”, so the meeting is not tense and nobody is nervous. So, try, make up your Job Cooperative, no less than 4, I promise you, you’ll never regret it.

*Orlando Huaman is a Job Counsellor and a freelance writer.huaman.orlando@yahoo.com

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The crazy thing about the fight, which Werdum was heavily favoured in, was Hunt dominated the opening exchanges. The Super Samoan landed two knockdowns and also took Werdum down during the first round, while Hunt safely grappled with the Brazilian on the canvas as he took the fight back to the feet.

The Super Samoan, Mark Hunt, didn’t want to make excuses.

He probably had the right to note the deck was stacked against him ahead of his interim heavyweight title bout against Fabricio Werdum at UFC 180 in Mexico City.

Hunt took the fight with only three weeks to prepare, had to shed nearly 20kgs, deal with Mexico’s altitude, while he also didn’t spar during the lead-up.

But after he copped a perfectly-timed knee from Werdum in the second round of the main event in front of 21,000 people at the sold-out Mexico City Arena, Hunt’s dreams of holding a belt were smashed.

Werdum followed up his knee, which he caught Hunt by faking a takedown that forced Hunt to drop his head in anticipation of defending it, with a barrage of punches and the fight was stopped at 2:27 of the second frame.

The loss dropped Hunt to 10-9-1 for his MMA career, while Werdum improved to 19-5-1 and ensured he would fight champion Cain Velasquez when the American was fight again.

“It was hard getting here,” Hunt said. “But no excuses, I got caught and the better man won; so, congratulations to the champ.”

It was Velasquez’s withdrawal from his scheduled defence against Werdum that gave Hunt his opportunity and the Kiwi combat sports veteran said he couldn’t turn down the chance to fight for a title, no matter how short the notice.

Hunt, 40, also hinted during the final days before the bout that he was having problems at home and he said his focus would now be on returning to Sydney and spending time with his family.

“I go home and I’m going to fix my marriage,” he said with a laugh that implied he was perhaps partly joking. “I’ll go home and see my kids.”

The crazy thing about the fight, which Werdum was heavily favoured in, was Hunt dominated the opening exchanges.

The Super Samoan landed two knockdowns and also took Werdum down during the first round, while Hunt safely grappled with the Brazilian on the canvas as he took the fight back to the feet.

Hunt’s one-punch knockout power is his trademark but he was unable to land a shot flush to put Werdum out of the fight.

Despite tasting plenty of leather, Werdum showed impressive durability before he delivered the telling knee that changed the course of the bout.

“Mark is a talented fighter and I know he punched hard, I felt he punched hard, so I had to respect that,” Werdum said.

“I also figured he would plan for me trying to take him down. I went for a few attempts and then I faked, got him to duck, and came in with the high knee. Because he is so tough, I knew I had to be relentless in trying to finish it on the ground.”

Hunt won’t be seen again in the octagon until next year. He has four fights left on his contract, although it would be too early to speculate when and where he will appear.

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BT Sport - England number eight Billy Vunipola insists Samoa will “smell blood” when they arrive at Twickenham for Saturday’s QBE International.

Successive defeats to New Zealand and South Africa have transformed the showdown against the big-hitting Pacific islanders into a game Stuart Lancaster’s men dare not lose.

Vunipola is of Polynesian heritage - his father and uncles played for Tonga - and knows the mindset Samoa will adopt as they seek a first victory over England in seven attempts.

“They are going to smell blood. They’ll definitely be licking their lips,” the Saracens back row said.

“They’ll come here knowing they have a sniff of winning the game, but we can’t underestimate them.”

“You can’t go into an international, no matter who you’re facing, believing that you have the right to win. We can’t afford to do that.”

“You can’t look at Samoa thinking ‘we can step off the accelerator’ because that’s when things will go wrong.”

England are reeling from a fifth successive defeat after a below-par South Africa left Twickenham 31-28 winners to extend their unbeaten run in the fixture to 12 Tests.

Tears ran down Vunipola’s cheek during the national anthem, but what followed was comfortably the worst performance of the 22-year-old’s 12-cap career.

Head coach Stuart Lancaster had demanded an improvement from his giant back row and while Vunipola showed plenty of courage he was let down by a succession of handling errors, although he was not alone.“I made too many mistakes and I apologise for that. A lot of the boys, if there is such a thing, were trying a bit too hard,” he said.

“After last weekend everyone wanted to prove a point, not only to themselves but to the people watching. We have to start relaxing more.”

“Now we definitely need to win against Samoa and Australia for our peace of mind as a team.”

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Eastern Province Rugby have confirmed that they have terminated Samoan wing Paul Perez’s contract with immediate effect.

Perez, who was seen as playing an integral role in the EP Kings plans for the 2015 season, disappeared for two days this week, without justification or permission, and remained uncontactable for the duration of his absence.

EP Rugby president, Cheeky Watson, confirmed that the union had been in the process of applying for Perez’s work permit, and had been obligated to contact the Department of Home Affairs due to concerns raised by his absenteeism.

On his return, and subsequent dismissal from the EP Kings, authorities then acted in terms of home affairs protocols.

“It is a major blow for us as the union, and we are extremely saddened and disappointed by the turn of events,” said Watson.

“Paul is an extremely talented individual, and we have invested heavily in him over the past year, as he has undergone rehabilitation for his knee and has even undergone surgery on our account,” said Watson.

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"There is no solution at the moment. It was just important we confirm what the Samoan players did today - that they will play against England"

The International Rugby Board (I.R.B) is not ruling out an investigation into how the Samoa Rugby Union (S.R.U) is spending funds from the international game’s mother body.

The possibility was raised with the I.R.B Chief Executive Officer, Brett Gosper, during an interview with the Belfast Telegraph, where he was asked whether there was a need to examine how the I.R.B.'s funding is being used with regards to Samoa.

The question comes at a time when senior players have spoken out against the S.R.U, demanding more transparency and accountability.

Mr. Gosper said there are "very stringent criteria" already in place to govern the use of funds but refused to rule out a further investigation.

The interview followed the latest meeting between the I.R.B, the International Rugby Players Association (I.R.P.A) and senior members of the Manu Samoa over a number of grievances expressed by the players in relation to the S.R.U.

“The first meeting took place (on) Saturday 15th November at which the International Rugby Players Association (I.R.P.A.) and the Samoa players engaged in good discussion and information sharing with the I.R.B.,” a statement from the I.R.P.A said. “Unfortunately the S.R.U. chose not to have representation at the meeting.”

Since this meeting, Manu Samoa team manager, Namulau'ulu Sami Leota told RNZI, that the Ambassador to the European Union for Samoa, Dr. Paolelei Luteru, represented the Union.

This information comes in the wake of a boycott threat levied by the national players in protest against their treatment at the hands of the S.R.U.

According to the statement from I.R.P.A , the players believe that they were left with no other course of action in order to ensure positive change for the benefit of Samoa Rugby.

The statement quotes a number of senior players.

Veteran flanker, Maurie Fa’asavalu, spoke the loudest calling out the S.R.U. on its lack of credibility as an organisation.

“As players, we will work to ensure transparency and integrity within Samoan rugby,” he said.

“This is needed to allow us to fulfil the potential of Samoan rugby and succeed in the modern game”.

Another senior player and lock, Daniel Leo believes that the Manu have had to endure these on going issues for far too long.

“This is about us, the players deciding enough is enough, and seeking positive change and input for the benefit of Samoan rugby and the welfare of future players,” he said.

“We believe that organising ourselves and taking this approach was the only way the game would take our concerns and issues seriously”.

Prop Census Johnston echoed these remarks saying that as players, the team fully understand the commercial realities and performance-based nature of professional sport.

“But we believe the opportunities for positive developments in our playing environment and rugby in Samoa is currently compromised,” he said.

“Not only do we want to see the issues addressed, but we also want to be part of the solution."

“We are a small nation of proud people, we need to work together to better represent Samoa and securing the future of the game”.

Star halfback, Kahn Fotuali’i added “from this day forward the players will be professionally represented and engaged in the administration and governance of our rugby environment.

“We want the opportunity to contribute positively and to do so with confidence in our administration”.

Josh Blackie, from the Pacific Island Players Association (P.I.P.A.) says the players are genuine stakeholders in the game and must be treated and valued as such.

“The future success of Samoan rugby is dependent on the players being integral to the administration of the game,” he said.

“The players are now engaged and committed to the ongoing discussions with the games administration and look forward to actionable, definite outcomes.”

I.R.P.A. Executive Director, Rob Nichol, said the I.R.P.A and the Samoan international players are committed to working alongside the I.R.B. to ensure positive discussions with the S.R.U., all with a focus on what is best for the future of rugby in Samoa.

“I.R.P.A. believes that with the support of the I.R.B. it is important that the S.R.U. take up the opportunity and come to the table willing to engage meaningfully on the issues,” sad Mr Nichol.

“From our perspective that would be a good first step in resolving this situation – without meaningful communication things will not improve”.

Returning to the Belfast Telegraph report, it says that the I.R.B. admits steps must be taken to ensure there is no repeat of Samoa's off-field row at next year's World Cup.

Mr. Gosper said the S.R.U., the players, the I.R.P.A. and the I.R.B. have held talks to resolve the issue and "there is no threat to the game whatsoever at Twickenham".

I.R.B. Chairman Bernard Lapasset, speaking at the World Rugby ConfEx, continued: "The first priority was to get the game in place at Twickenham and that has been achieved."

"We are in discussion with the Samoans - I have had a personal letter from the President of the Samoa Rugby Union which I have responded to and we have opened discussions with the players themselves."

"It is too early to decide what the profile will be for the future but it is important we listen and continue to work together."

"There is no solution at the moment. It was just important we confirm what the Samoan players did today - that they will play against England."

The Telegraph reports the threat to strike was first issued three weeks ago when the Samoan players submitted a draft press release to the IRB, in which they stated their grievances against the Samoa Rugby Union.

It says the issue highlights the need for engagement with unions of less established rugby nations, particularly with the start of the World Cup in England just 10 months away.

"We have to respect the unions and we need to establish a very confident relationship with the Chairmen of the Unions," Lapasset said.

"It is important they know what we are doing for the format of the competition and for the rights of the professional player."

"It is important we discuss these things more formally with the unions so we can confirm participation in the competitions we have in the future."

The statement from the I.R.P.A says the proposed boycott was withdrawn after agreement was reached between the Samoan players association P.I.P.A., I.R.P.A. and the I.R.B. to engage in dialogue to facilitate a collaborative and positive resolution to the concerns.

The Samoa International players outlined their concerns following their ongoing frustration at what they feel has been a significant period of substandard administration and governance within their National Union from the grass roots through to the international level.

As it currently stands the players lack confidence in the S.R.U. and their operations, and believe strongly that things need to change once and for all. In the past attempts by the players to raise their concerns with the S.R.U. have been unsuccessful.

With I.R.P.A. support it is the Samoan International players’ strong desire to work with the S.R.U. and I.R.B. and engage on these issues with a view to developing positive outcomes for the benefit of Samoa Rugby. They are now asking the

S.R.U. to commit to meaningful communication and discussion on the issues with all parties.

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“The P.M. seemed really interested and was very happy we decided to set up in Samoa. We talked about future projects like medical and nutrition and he agreed that this would be a fantastic idea” – Katy Woolley

The spirit of volunteerism is alive in the heart of South Pacific with the Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi backing the work of Projects Abroad.

Established in 2012, Projects Abroad Samoa is a non-profit charity that deploys volunteers from abroad to Samoa to help Samoa. They work in places like schools, kindergartens, Football Federation, Samoa Rugby Union, Fiamalamalama (School for children with disabilities), Animal Protection Society, the Mental Health Trust, Samoa Observer, Epenesa Mae Ole Fesoasoani Physiotherapy clinic and more.

“We’re human resources…people come to projects abroad when they want to work in a developing country in all different aspect of teaching, care, medical work, human rights, conservation so we have different projects in different countries depending on the country’s needs,” Projects Abroad Country Director, Katy Woolley, shares with the Samoa Observer.

“We had a meeting with the PM and during the meeting we basically had a chat about Projects Abroad and the work we do here.

“The PM seemed really interested and was very happy we decided to set up in Samoa. We talked about future projects like medical and nutrition and he agreed that this would be a fantastic idea.

“The knowledge and the education of the volunteers will help educate them (recipient community) and give them new ideas and in turn the volunteers learn much from the Samoans as well.

“We don’t want to change anything, to change the culture; we want to assist as much as we can.

“When we started in 2012…we would talk to the Ministries (Health, Education), we tried to identify the areas where they need our help, obviously the rural area are the most in need.

“That’s a bit difficult to have volunteers because all our volunteers are with host Samoan families and it’s very far out for them.”

Projects Abroad Samoa will be working will the Red Cross next year and they hope to work in Rural Communities in the future.

They currently have 13 volunteers working under their care projects. Volunteer work ranges from two weeks to six months depending on the project to be undertaken.

Social Worker Ine Hugo from Belgium volunteers in two projects. Her schedule includes; on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays-Kindergarten and on Thursdays and Fridays-the Goshen Trust.

She shares her observations “I come from Europe where everything is very structured, we have classes of maybe 15 people/children here its 70 or 80 children” Hugo said. “People are very friendly and they’re open to listening to you. It’s not so easy to implement changes but it’s easy to talk to them.”

“People are always glad to receive knowledge… if you’re not capable to go to school but you still care for an organization to do something… I think they are very appreciative if someone comes over to share their knowledge.”

“It’s very interesting for me to go to Goshen, I must say I was really surprise that in Samoa, there is an organization that works on mental health, and they have three very good programs. I have been to other countries and I have not come to an organization that has that.”

“Here I learned that family is so important, caring is so important.”

Projects Abroad volunteers are aged from 16 to 75. “Gap year volunteers and recent graduates still make up our largest numbers, but increasing numbers of volunteers join us in the summer holidays before starting university or while still in the 6th form at school or college.

Many career breakers join us to take some time out volunteering and increasingly retired people also choose to spend some time on our projects,” Ms. Woolley added.

“Volunteers choose Samoa because of the natural beauty of the island; the incredible world famous hospitable people and they want to help individuals, communities and vulnerable people. These volunteers pay to come and work for free, assisting in many different capacities that have short and long term impact on Samoa. “

“I really want the Samoan nation to know who we are and how we are trying to help Samoa.”

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One of the advantages of being hosted abroad is that visits to world-renowned sites are already pre-arranged and can fit into a tightly scheduled programme.

As well as opportunities to meet with individuals and organizations with interests in and connections to the Pacific, our press delegation in the space of two days, has visited and photographed diverse places viewed in print or on television.

It was over 24 hours of amazing and historical sights; each one more awe-inspiring than the previous.

And it was not hard for our delegation to stay alert as the temperatures dropped to somewhere way below nine degrees and layers were added.

Included in our tours was a drive-by photo opportunity of the unique ‘Birds Nest’ built for the China Olympic Games. While it was closed so we were unable to go inside, the size and architecture viewed from outside couple with the facts that it can host over half of Samoa’s population at any one time was mind-boggling.

The design, which originated from the study of Chinese ceramics, implemented steel beams in order to hide supports for the retractable roof; giving the stadium the appearance of a bird’s nest.

This was followed by a visit to the aptly lit Red Theatre where we were treated to a spectacular, Friday evening performance of ‘The Story of Kung Fu’. This was a visual spectacle of colour, costume, dance and song with computerized special effects.

Then it was an early start on Saturday morning to travel out of Beijing city to walk on the Great Wall of China at Mutianyu. As the only man-made structure on earth visible from space Mutianyu is one of the best-preserved parts of the Great Wall, It historically served as the northern barrier defending the capital and the imperial tombs.

We opted for a combination of walking and cable car or gondola over the 4,000+ steps as we joined hundreds at this mainly granite barrier which was started in the sixth century. Our particular cable car had apparently transported the United State’s President’s wife, Michelle Obama, which we hoped meant it was doubly safe as we sped up the steepest part of the mountainside to the biggest watchtower on the wall. This section of the Great Wall is surrounded by forest and streams although with winter fast approaching, everything looked bare and brown.

Numerous photographs later and an equally speedy trip down the mountainside, we were taken to a nearby model village and shown around an American-Chinese project. A former brickworks and school building have retained their outer facades and been refurbished to offer ultra-comfortable accommodation for tourists and Chinese looking for a chance to get away from the city for weekends or holidays.

To top off a memory-filled day, we returned in the late afternoon to stroll with thousands of locals and tourists in Tian’anmen Square where we were dwarfed and surrounded by imposing, buildings, statues and decorations and a sense of historical events learned from text books and the news.

The square (more of a rectangle), is named after the Tiananmen gate (Gate of Heavenly Peace) and was built in 1415 during the Ming Dynasty. It was the site of several important events in Chinese history but outside China, it is best known in recent memory as the focal point of the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989, a pro-democracy movement which ended on 4 June 1989 with the declaration of martial law in Beijing by the government and the shooting of several hundred or possibly thousands of civilians by soldiers.

The year after the death of their revered leader Mao in 1976, a Mausoleum was built near the site of the former Gate of China and the square was further increased in size to accommodate 600,000. With temperatures fast dropping to below 9 degrees, but warmed by the sights we had seen, we returned to our hotel.

*The Samoa Observer Newspaper Group’s Coordinator of Newspaper in Education (N.I.E), Marj Moore, is in China. She is part of a Pacific Islands joint Press Delegation to China.

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Vehicles worth $300,000 were donated to three separate bodies by the World Trade Organisation (W.T.O) yesterday.

The trucks were presented to The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour (M.C.I.L.), the Samoa Trust Estate Corporation (S.T.E.C.) and Women in Business Development Inc. (W.I.B.D.I) under the Organisation’s Enhanced Integrated

Framework (E.I.F.) for Trade-Related Assistance for Least Developed Countries (L.D.C.s), Tier-2.

The different bodies received the keys to the vehicles at the Trade, Commerce and Manufacturing Sector Annual Review at the Tanoa Tusitala Hotel.

M.C.I.L. Chief Executive Officer, Auelua Samuelu Enari said in his keynote speech that the process had been a challenge with some milestones achieved and more to be done.

“To date a Trade, Commerce and Manufacture Sector Plan 2012-2016 has been implemented,” he said.

“The Trade, Commerce and Manufacture Sector Plan is Samoa’s strategic tool for delivering public and private supports, interventions in both foreign and domestic trade as well as in relation to manufacturing and value addition in the key production sectors.

“The Trade, Commerce and Manufacture Sector Plan is therefore the overriding strategy for promoting sustainable and inclusive growth.”

Auelua said Trade, Commerce and Manufacture Sector Plan was launched in 2012 with the hope that the government would push the trading of goods that were being produced not only in the country but also products being exporting outside of the country.

“There are three ways of trading the first one is trade in goods, the second is trade in services and the last one is trade in intellectual property,” said the C.E.O.

He said the government was trying to push all three ways – by having the products to trade, jobs for the people and businesses for them to work in.

According to an event spokesperson the Review was an opportunity to discuss what has been achieved in the three areas in regards to Samoa’s development strategy and what more should be done to strengthen development of the sector.

They said it was the place where stakeholders could exchange ideas on how to further develop the interaction between public agencies, private institutions, non-government organisations and the people.

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Think a minute…

Successful country singer Lonzo Green was visiting his relatives. His teenage nephew, Jim, and all his friends gathered in Jim’s house to meet his famous uncle. But there was one quiet 15-year-old boy whom Jim’s parents would not allow to come inside their house. Simply because this kid was poor, they treated him as an inferior, lower-class person, even calling him “white trash.”

When Jim told Uncle Lonzo that this boy outside had a guitar but did not know how to tune it, Lonzo gladly offered to show the boy how. Since he was not allowed inside the house, they arranged to meet outside by the street.

It was obvious to Lonzo that this teenage boy was embarrassed and felt out of place in this upper class neighborhood. The boy’s guitar was old, cheap, and hung around his neck with just a piece of string. After Lonzo showed the shy teenager how to tune his guitar, he offered to teach him some songs. The boy was so surprised and happy that Lonzo would spend two whole hours playing and singing with him, he started feeling confident in his own ability to play and sing.

Lonzo never met that boy again, at least not face to face. For that same boy who was not allowed to come inside the house, became the King of Rock n’ Roll: Elvis Presley.

There is a similar true story about another king who was not allowed to come inside people’s homes and hearts. In fact, He is the King of all kings. Yet even though He is the Maker of the universe, He chose 2,000 years ago to humiliate Himself by becoming a human being born into a poor, working-class family. Most people did not even recognize Him. In fact, not only was He rejected by His own people then, but by most of us today.

Remember, Jesus never said He was only a great man, teacher, or prophet. He absolutely claimed that He is God Himself. God the Son Who came to save us, and will also come again to judge the entire world for all of our wrong, sinful living. So either Jesus is a liar, a lunatic, or the Lord of everyone, whom He clearly proved to be. No other religious leader in history claimed to be God, except Jesus.

He desperately wants to forgive us for all our wrongs, so He can give us His full and everlasting life. He has done everything He possibly can, to the point of sacrificing His own life for our sins, to make the way for us to come home to Him. But it is our choice.

Will you recognize your King today? Won’t you ask Him to forgive you and take full charge of every area of your life? Until you do, you can never have His true, full life of love, satisfaction, and peace of mind He created you to have now and forever. Remember, Jesus Himself said: If you refuse to recognize Him daily as your personal Lord now, by free choice, you will be forced to later after it’s too late. Then you will suffer everlasting separation from Him and His true family of followers who chose to wholeheartedly love and live for Him. His loving patience is waiting as long as He possibly can. Won’t you make that choice today before it’s too late? Just think a minute…

Manu Samoa’s star halfback, Kahn Fotuali’i, is rallying his team for a big effort against England this weekend, despite the controversy involving the Manu Samoa.

Yesterday, Fotuali’i confirmed that the players had been "serious" in their threat to boycott the match against England over longstanding issues about the administration of the Samoa Rugby Union (S.R.U).

But although the issues remain unresolved, Fotuali’i said the focus has for now shifted into delivering a winning result which would draw further attention to their cause.

"Our protest is now to play well against England,” said Fotuali’i. “That is the biggest statement we can make."

Fotuali’i added that the players are serious to push on with the issues against the administration of rugby in Samoa.

"It wasn't there just as a little threat,” Fotuali’i said about the boycott.

“All we wanted was for the S.R.U to come together and listen to us."

Fotuali’i said senior players will be involved in further meetings this week with the International Rugby Board to try to resolve the dispute.

The issue came to a head a fortnight ago when the squad issued their boycott ultimatum and Toulouse prop Census Johnston revealed yesterday it was only the potential knock-on effects of pulling out of the fixture which persuaded the side to play this weekend.

Yesterday, Manu Samoa Manager, Namaulauulu Sami Leota, confirmed that the match is going ahead.

"The game is proceeding as agreed upon," Namulauulu told the British media.

Manu Samoa’s star halfback, Kahn Fotuali’i, is rallying his team for a big effort against England this weekend, despite the controversy involving the Manu Samoa. 

Yesterday, Fotuali’i confirmed that the players had been "serious" in their threat to boycott the match against England over longstanding issues about the administration of the Samoa Rugby Union (S.R.U).

But although the issues remain unresolved, Fotuali’i said the focus has for now shifted into delivering a winning result which would draw further attention to their cause.

"Our protest is now to play well against England,” said Fotuali’i. “That is the biggest statement we can make."

Fotuali’i added that the players are serious to push on with the issues against the administration of rugby in Samoa.

"It wasn't there just as a little threat,” Fotuali’i said about the boycott.

“All we wanted was for the S.R.U to come together and listen to us."

Fotuali’i said senior players will be involved in further meetings this week with the International Rugby Board to try to resolve the dispute.

The issue came to a head a fortnight ago when the squad issued their boycott ultimatum and Toulouse prop Census Johnston revealed yesterday it was only the potential knock-on effects of pulling out of the fixture which persuaded the side to play this weekend.

Yesterday, Manu Samoa Manager, Namaulauulu Sami Leota, confirmed that the match is going ahead.

"The game is proceeding as agreed upon," Namulauulu told the British media.

"There is no threat and the boycott has been cancelled. It's all been sorted."

Last week, the Samoa players' unhappiness became public knowledge when, following a report in Britain's Rugby Paper, the I.R.B released a statement saying they had been made aware of the Pacific Islanders' concerns last month.

However, the I.R.B also said they expected the match, the third of England's four home internationals in November, to go ahead as planned.

"The players met with the IRB and the players' association and as a result of those discussions the boycott was called off," Namulau’ulu said.

"Now the idea is to keep the camp tight and focus on the game.”

Earlier, Samoa's senior internationals called for their concerns -- some of which date back to the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand -- to be dealt with urgently "to ensure positive change for the benefit of Samoa rugby".

The grievances included an alleged lack of financial transparency within the Samoa Rugby Union with players being expected to pay air fares, coaches being denied a free-rein on selection and team line-ups being announced on social media before players had been notified.

Samoa, the top performing Pacific island nation and twice World Cup quarter-finalists, have in recent years recorded wins against top-tier countries such as Australia, Wales and Scotland.

Members of the Samoa team who beat Canada 23-13 in Vannes, north-west France, last Saturday met with the I.R.B and the I.R.P.A over the weekend but the S.R.U chose not to be represented at the talks.

Mahonri Schwalger, who captained Samoa at the 2011 World Cup, was axed from the side a year later when he wrote a damning assessment of the management in a report to Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi.

Following the weekend meeting, Samoa forward Daniel Leo said the players have had to "endure these ongoing issues for far too long".

"This is about us, the players deciding enough is enough, and seeking positive change and input for the benefit of Samoan rugby and the welfare of future players."

Meanwhile Tuilaepa called the issues "opinions of little kids" and suggested the cream of Samoan rugby pull out if they are not happy.

"If they don't want to play then don't come. There are many players here who are looking for an opportunity. We're not forcing you. So submit your resignation and we'll select new players," he said last week.

Saturday's match is Samoa's final fixture of a European tour that started with a 24-13 defeat by Italy before the win over the Canada.

- With reporting from www.sport.uk, Reuters, Belfast Telegraph and the Express UK.

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Sarah used to teach at Samoa College until she made the decision to resign from her job in September 2014 due to unbearable cancer pains.

Sarah Fanueli Wongsin also known as Salaevalu stands strong in her battle against Breast Cancer.

Born on February 5, 1983, Sarah is the eldest of 10 siblings to parents Lupematasila Reti & Lagaasa Fanueli.

She went to college at Saint Mary’s Vaimoso and later at Catholic Senior School attending the form 6 level.

She met the love of her life, Joe Wongsin in 2005 and they wed in 27th November 2010. They were blessed with a baby they name Remani Josiah.

Sarah was diagnosed with breast cancer early 2012 and had a surgery. She spent three months in New Zealand in order to get Radio-Therapy treatments.

In August, after being hospitalized at Moototua, she was given the sad news that she should go home to spend much time with her family as doctors can’t do anything else for her. Morphine pills were given to help with the constant pain.

Sarah used to teach at Samoa College until she made the decision to resign from her job in September 2014 due to unbearable cancer pains.

Right now, Sarah is no longer on morphine as she’s taking medicine provided to her by Jane & her family, who is also a cancer survivor. The medicine comes all the way from the United States of America.

To augment the necessary finances needed to keep the constant supply of Sarah’s medicine, a Zumba fundraising with the Fanalee Zumba team will be held this coming Saturday.

It be held at the SCOPA Hall, Vaivase; the fee costs $5.00.

According to the website of the Samoa Cancer Society, In Samoa breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women in line with similar trends worldwide.

Breast cancer symptoms vary widely — from lumps to swelling to skin changes — and many breast cancers have no obvious symptoms at all. Symptoms that are similar to those of breast cancer may be the result of non-cancerous conditions like infection or a cyst.

For more information and to buy your tickets please contact the following: Shanti (7792045), Rex Tabitha (7737240), Jessica (7782023) and Dulcie (7767693).

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Think a minute…

It’s been said: “A day of worry is more exhausting than a week of work.” In fact, the root word for worry is “choke” or “strangle.” Worrying chokes the life and strength out of you! Constant worrying strangles us emotionally, gradually taking away our hope and happiness. “If you don’t bury your worries, they’ll bury you.” Today and tomorrow we’ll learn ways to win over worry.

Remember: “Worry is the darkroom in which negatives are developed.” You are often expecting the worst, thinking of the various bad things that can happen. But this only paralyzes you, so you end up doing little or nothing at all. Worry infects you with the “paralysis of analysis.” As a mother told her children: “Worry is like a rocking chair: You can rock all day long and get nowhere.” This is why worry is a complete waste of our time and energy.

For one thing, worry makes no sense because you are trying to control what you cannot control—like the weather. Since it is impossible, why even try! Plus, to worry about something you can change makes no sense either, since worrying cannot change or fix anything! Simply do what you can do, and don’t worry about the rest.

Worry is not even natural. You would feel foolish if you walked around all day with an open umbrella over your head just because you are worried it might possibly rain later.

Instead, you naturally wait to deal with the rain when it comes, if it even comes at all. We humans were not built physically, mentally or emotionally to handle more than one day’s responsibilities and challenges.

An important step to winning over worry is simply to choose not to be a victim. Many of the things we worry about come from the wrong words and behavior of other people—yet we feel somehow responsible for their bad attitudes and actions. It’s true that peace with other people is very important, but never at the expense of the truth and facts. If you know for certain that you did not do something wrong, then you are not helping the other person by always rescuing him and taking responsibility for his wrongs.

Remember, with Jesus in control of your heart and life you are a victor not a victim of other people and circumstances. So won’t you ask Him to forgive you for living your own way, and to help you start living His way? It is only when you have His inner peace and power that you can truly win over worry. Just think a minute…

A book that discusses pre-Christian practices in Samoa was launched in New Zealand’s capital, Wellington, on Tuesday night.

Absent from classroom lessons and mentioned in whispers if at all, many of those practices were banished behind a wall established to keep quiet things of “the time of darkness.”

Whispers and Vanities, Samoan Indigenous Knowledge and Religion, opens up ancient practices for discussion, inspired by the work of Tui Atua

Tupua Tamasese Efi, a paramount matai of Samoa among his other positions past and present – like being the current Head of State.

Fed by 38 contributors through essays and poems in the book the discussion is likely to bust down the wall of silence behind which a large part of the past has been consigned.

Especially if it finds an audience among Samoan youth everywhere, because they will be introduced to a part of their past long hidden.

It will be an emotional discovery as explained by two of their number who spoke at the launch last night.

It will be uncomfortable – one of the contributors titles his essay, Exploring X-Rated Cultural Practices.

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