Friday, October 31, 2008

Evangelical Lutheran Church of Papua New Guinea celebrates Reformation Day


This week on Lutheran Churches throughout the world celebrate with worship services the Reformation Day.

 It was on October 31 in 1517 that Dr Martin Luther posted the 95 theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany, for discussion by the theological faculty of Wittenberg University toward improving the spiritual situation of the church at that time. Those theses triggered series of meetings and conferences within the church and with the government of the day on the theological issues concerned.

 When in 1530 the church of the day and the government did not accept the theological position of the Lutheran party, the Lutheran pastors and theologians began to organise themselves into what is now the Lutheran Church.

The teaching of the Lutheran Church then and now is based on the following four pillars: Christ alone, Faith alone, Grace alone and Scripture alone.

 Everything else, including the church practice, is subordinate to and needs to relate to these four for their acceptance and application for Christian faith and witness.

For the Lutheran Church the Word of the Gospel is the prime means by which Christ, Grace and Faith are offered to God’s people.

The Lutheran Church throughout the world is conducting worship services of thanksgiving and praise to God for offering those blessings to His church.

 Just as much as it has received so much from God free, so the church lives to offer services to others including the civil society.

 According to a summary of Luther’s own teaching where he uses an illustration that a fruit tree bears delicious fruits not for its own use but for others to enjoy, so should the Christian do with what he or she has.

Christians are there not to serve themselves but to serve God and others.

 According to Luther’s ethics of economy, anything else one has as extra, is for his or her neighbor.

 If all the members of the church followed that principle, Papua New Guinea should have enough for everyone and the country should be well off.

According to the ELCPNG Church Secretary Mr Isaac Teo the members of the ELCPNG should rise up and take their calling and responsibility in the church and society and contribute positively.

There is so much for the members of the church to do and contribute.

Those who are responsible to preach the Gospel must do their job faithfully and the rest of the members need to put the Word of God into action and provide for their neighbors and the needs of the wider community.

The celebration should be about life and life in its fullness as God offers us in His Son. So the members of the church should provide their services to those in need in fullness just as they have received theirs from God in fullness.

 And that is the message of the church to its members throughout Papua New Guinea for this year’s Reformation Day Celebration.  

On July 12 this year the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Papua New Guinea celebrated its 122 years of service in Papua New Guinea.

 

 

 

Message from Acting Head Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of PNG, Reverend Zau Rapa, on the event of Reformation Day

What thoughts does the Evangelical Lutheran Church of PNG have on the Reformations started by Martin Luther in 1517 and today and onwards?

ELCPNG has a lot of work to do to strengthen the faith of its members.

The Lutheran Church is a reformed church and one of the major churches in the world.

Lutherans all over the world are spreading the Word of God like Martin Luther.

ELCPNG is one of the major churches in this country with more than 1.2 million followers, including active pastors and evangelists.

The Lutheran Church does not stand on history alone as there are many changes taking place.

We have the job of spreading the good news to all our followers as well as be careful of pitfalls along the way.

The Lutheran Church not only strengthens the faith but is also a partner in development in areas such as education, health, Yangpela Didiman, development services, youth, women, Sunday School and others.

The first classes will start in 2010 at the Lutheran University in Lae.

We have our own beliefs; however, we must work together with other mainstream churches in the country under the PNG Council of Churches.

I appeal to all followers to look at the presence and blessings of God in their lives.

At this juncture, ELCPNG will be looking at a replacement for the late Head Bishop Reverend Doctor Wesley Kigasung, who God called into His presence on May 14 this year.

His position is now vacant.

I have been Acting Head Bishop since Dr Kigasung’s death.

We must pray for a good Head Bishop to take over from where the late Dr Kigasung left us.

The next Synod will be held in January 2010 in Lae, Morobe province.

I ask all followers of the Church not to make a political issue out of this.

We need a good spiritual leader to guide the Church and we must pray to God for one.

We must stop beating our chests and start humbling ourselves.

Nominations will open at the Church Council in November this year and the nomination committee can start doing its job.

I appeal to all Lutherans to take heed of the pearls of wisdom from our founder Martin Luther when he started the Reformation all those years ago.

Thank you and God Bless you all on this most important day in our long Church history.

 

Reverend Zau Rapa

Acting Head Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of PNG

 

Message from Evangelical Lutheran Church of Papua New Guinea General Secretary Isaac Teo

What thoughts does the Evangelical Lutheran Church of PNG have on the Reformations started by Martin Luther in 1517 and today and onwards?

ELCPNG has a lot of work to do to strengthen the faith of its members.

The Lutheran Church is a reformed church and one of the major churches in the world.

Lutherans all over the world are spreading the Word of God like Martin Luther.

ELCPNG is one of the major churches in this country with more than 1.2 million followers, including active pastors and evangelists.

Evangelical Lutheran Church of Papua New Guinea is a faith-driven church.

In my capacity as ELCPNG General Church Secretary, I have seen faith in action in the members of ELCPNG.

We are indebted to Martin Luther, the great reformer who established the church’s foundation based on Christ Alone, Faith Alone, Scripture Alone and Grace Alone.

People traveled many miles by foot to spread the Gospel.

Laymen/women pledged their time and life for the mission of God.

Our pastors laboured for the Gospel with thankful hearts and sacrificed their lives and families for the Gospel.

In one of my recent trips, I met a pastor in remote Kaintiba, Gulf province, who gave his life to God’s work and sacrificed his children’s education.

It touched my heart to witness such sacrifice and dedication.

Most members of our Church are rural-based.

Their contribution to the Church of God is immeasurable.

The challenge is now upon us, the administration of the Church, to look at the value of these contributions and try to encourage them to use it more in the word of God.

We must empower them, both spiritually and physically, to take ownership of the Church and be responsible for its wellbeing.

In our attempt to realise this vision, the Church has developed what is called ‘Vision 2020’, a policy framework and guideline document for programme formulation for its strategic plans.

The ‘Vision 2020’ will focus on the household.

It aims to achieve balanced human development, addressing both physical and spiritual development needs of every human person.

The Church, under the Vision 2020 framework, will attempt to carry out revisioning, reviewing and revitalising the Church to be missional.

Why we are saying ‘missional’ is because we need to go back to our roots and ‘evangelise’ as per our name.

In our attempt to introduce new measures such as Vision 2020, we must walk together with ordinary men and women of the Church, hence, our 2008 Synod theme, ‘Wokabaut Wantaim Bilong Ol Bilip Manmeri (Sharing the Faith, Building the Church)’.

Our people must now take ownership of this vision and be part of ‘Sharing the Faith, Building the Church’.

We must also walk together with other mainstream churches that are part of the PNG Council of Churches, our Pacific Council of Churches as well as the World Body of Christian Churches.

Lutheran Church in Papua New Guinea is a member of the Lutheran World Federation and World Council of Churches.

It has six partner churches: Bavarian Lutheran Church in Germany, Northhelbian Lutheran Church in Germany, Laipzig Lutheran Church in Germany, Australian Lutheran Church, American Lutheran Church and Lutheran Church in Canada.

These six partners participate in and subside many of the programmes run by the ELCPNG.

My challenge to the Lutheran members on Reformation Day is to revisit the legacy of words bestowed upon us by our late Head Bishop, Reverend Doctor Wesley Kigasung.

The late Dr Kigasung saw the Church as a “rainbow colour”.

The colour resembles talents, skills, experience and vast knowledge, that when put together, creates a “rainbow colour”.

The Church needs to realise its strengths and regather to share the faith and build the Church.

Dr Kigasung often encouraged the Church to reconcile, revitalise, and go forth to take the challenge head on.

It is my prayer that, on this day, we as members of the ELCPNG remember the wisdom of Martin Luther and Dr Kigasung and make a difference in our Christian life.

 

 

ICE - - 'In Case of Emergency' - an idea being used in America - thought I would share this concept...

ICE - 'In Case of Emergency'
We all carry our mobile phones with names and numbers stored in its memory but nobody, other than ourselves, knows which of these numbers belong to our closest family or friends.
If we were to be involved in an accident or were taken ill, the people attending us would have our mobile phone but wouldn't know who to call. Yes, there are hundreds of numbers stored but which one is the contact person in case of an emergency? Hence this 'ICE' (In Case of Emergency) Campaign.
The concept of 'ICE' is catching on quickly. It is a method of contact during emergency situations. As cell(mobile) phones are carried by the majority of the population, all you need to do is store the number of a contact person or persons who should be contacted during emergency under the name 'ICE' ( In Case Of Emergency).
The idea was thought up by a paramedic who found that when he went to the scenes of accidents, there were always mobile phones with patients, but they didn't know which number to call. He therefore thought that it would be a good idea if there was a nationally recognised name for this purpose. In an emergency situation, Emergency Service personnel and hospital Staff would be able to quickly contact the right person by simply dialing the number you have stored as 'ICE.'
For more than one contact name simply enter ICE1, ICE2 and ICE3 etc. A great idea that will make a difference!
Let's spread the concept of ICE by storing an ICE number in our Mobile phones today!

AND A RESPONSE TO THIS SUGGESTION WAS: 'I too, have had the ICE thing on my phone, but I have it as ICE Husband, ICE mom cell, and ICE mom home. This way they know who they are talking to when they call this person, and how they are related to me'.

 

 

Pink Ribbons

Hi all
October is recognized as the month to promote breast cancer awareness
worldwide
I still have some Pink Ribbons which I am selling on behalf of the cancer
society
The ribbons are selling at K2 for the big ones & K1 for the small ones
'Remember breast cancer has the potential to affect someone you know'
Christine Pakakota
Assistant News Editor
The National

Pacific Star Limited
Phones: (675) 324 6731
Facsimile: (675) 324 6868
Post: PO Box 6817 Boroko, NCD
Papua New Guinea
Email: cbpakakota@thenational.com.pg

APEC NEWS ALERT: Leaders prepare for their annual meeting

Leaders Coordinate Responses to Financial Crisis, Human Security and Social Equity

Issued by the APEC Secretariat

Singapore, 31 October, 2008 – Leaders and representatives of APEC’s 21 Member Economies are preparing for their annual meeting in Lima, Peru in the latter half of next month. 

The 16th annual APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting (22 – 23 November) is the culmination of the actions, discussions and endorsements that have taken place throughout 2008, hosted by Peru and under the theme, “A New Commitment to Asia-Pacific Development.” 

Heads of member governments will receive recommendations from Ministers, including those responsible for Finance, Trade and Structural Reform.  These recommendations are likely to address:

 

  • Coordinated long- and short-term responses to the current financial crisis;

 

  • Collaborative efforts to progress a regional-wide free trade agreement;

 

  • Human security initiatives, including emergency preparedness and response;

 

  • Structural reform;

 

  • Stimulation of growth among small to medium and micro-enterprises; and

 

  • Improving food security in the Asia-Pacific region.

 

These are intended to inform collective policy initiatives among leaders and, ultimately, to strengthen economic resilience and expand trade opportunities throughout the region. 

Prior to the Leaders’ Meeting, related events to be held in Lima will include:

 

  • APEC Concluding Senior Officials’ Meeting, 16 – 17 November
  • APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC), 18 – 20 November
  • APEC Ministers’ Meeting, 19 – 20 November
  • APEC CEO Summit, 20 – 22 November

The CEO Summit will feature presentations by the world’s most renowned leaders.

 

For more information, or to schedule an interview with APEC Secretariat Executive Director, Ambassador Juan C. Capuñay, following the APEC Leaders’ Meeting, contact:

Carolyn Williams at cdw@apec.org or at (51) 8927 4393 in Peru

Anita Douglas at ad@apec.org or at (65) 9172 6427 in Singapore

 

 

 

 

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Lutheran university set to start classes in 2010

The much talked about Lutheran university in Lae is set to start classes in 2010, according to Evangelical Lutheran Church of PNG Acting Head Bishop Reverend Zau Rapa.

"The first classes will start in 2010 at the Lutheran university in Lae," he said in Lae.

"The campus will cover the Balob Teachers College and Martin Luther Seminary.

"Initially, Balob will become the faculty for education, while Martin Luther Seminary will be the faculty for theology.

"That, however, is all dependent on the final approval of the university establishment committee.

"We want to start classes in 2010 because that's when all church followers expect us to start.'

It is understood that funding and manpower support has already been assured from the national government, Morobe provincial government, ELCPNG and its sister churches in Germany, the USA, Canada, Australia and others.

Lutherans urged to think of a new leader


Lutherans around the country have been urged to start thinking of a suitable replacement for former Head Bishop Reverend Doctor Wesley Kigasung, who passed away on May 14 this year.

Acting Head Bishop Rev Zau Rapa (pictured) made the call as the Evangelical Lutheran Church of PNG (ELCPNG) celebrates Reformation Day today (Friday May 31).

He has been acting in the position, as spiritual leader of one of the largest mainstream churches in Papua New Guinea with more than 1.2 million followers, since the death of Rev Dr Kigasung

Reformation Day is an important liturgical festival that is celebrated by Lutherans and Christians of many Protestant denominations.

It commemorates Dr. Martin Luther's posting of his 'Ninety-five Theses' on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany on October 31, 1517.

This act triggered the movement in world history known as the Reformation.

While the historical date for the observance of Reformation is October 31st, most churches celebrate it on the last Sunday in October.

While it had profound and lasting impacts on the political, economic, social, literary, and artistic aspects of modern society, the Reformation was at its heart a religious movement.

"We must pray for a good Head Bishop to take over from where the late Dr Kigasung left us," Rev Rapa said in Lae.

"The next Synod will be held in January 2010 in Lae, Morobe province.

"I ask all followers of the Church not to make a political issue out of this.

"We need a good spiritual leader to guide the Church and we must pray to God for one.

"We must stop beating our chests and start humbling ourselves.

"Nominations will open at the Church Council in November this year and the nomination committee can start doing its job."

Rev Rapa urged Lutherans to think about the implications of the Reformation on their lives now and into the future.

"ELCPNG has a lot of work to do to strengthen the faith of its members," he said.

"The Lutheran Church is a reformed church and one of the major churches in the world.

"Lutherans all over the world are spreading the Word of God like Martin Luther.

"ELCPNG is one of the major churches in this country with more than 1.2 million followers, including active pastors and evangelists.

"The Lutheran Church does not stand on history alone as there are many changes taking place.

"We have the job of spreading the good news to all our followers as well as be careful of pitfalls along the way.

"The Lutheran Church not only strengthens the faith but is also a partner in development in areas such as education, health, Yangpela Didiman, development services, youth, women, Sunday School and others.

"The first classes will start in 2010 at the Lutheran University in Lae.

"We have our own beliefs; however, we must work together with other mainstream churches in the country under the PNG Council of Churches.

"I appeal to all followers to look at the presence and blessings of God in their lives."



Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Invitation to participate at the 2008 Media Conference

Dear Members,

 

The Media Council of PNG (MCPNG) wishes to invite ALL MEMBERS to participate in the 2008 Media Conference from10th -15th November 2008 by sending a delegation from your organisation. A formal letter from MCPNG President will be delivered to you soon.

Due to growing concern about the state of media including inadequate development content and poor media standards, MCPNG is hosting this conference to facilitate the engagement of media observers and practitioners to contribute towards strengthen the media system in PNG. Present challenges in the media have caused grave concern that the Prime Minister has called on the media to report responsibly. Therefore, the purpose of the conference is to create an opportunity for critical reflection and rational deliberation on the theme: media, good governance and the future. There are four plenary topics with discussion sessions.  You are kindly invited to send a delegation of at least 6 members to the conference.

Please note that major events that will include the following

  1. Media Breakfast: each member is given a quota of 10 people to attend the media breakfast to be held on the first day of the Conference. It will be attended by Governor General and other dignitaries. It will be free for members.
  2. Media Bonding: your organization is given an opportunity to do a company presentation at the media bonding event on the 10th November 2008. Each MCPNG member is also expected to plan and execute a media bonding event on the designated evenings of the conference. The rational is that you would promote your organization including its goods and services to the conference participants and guests.
  3. Media Awards Banquet: each member organization is requested to make submissions for the relevant media awards categories to be sent out by the awards committee shortly. Entry to the Banquet is by tickets selling at K60 per person.
  4. Post Conference Study Tour: please indicate if you would like to the post conference study tour to visit your establishment. It will be very useful to facilitate that for the conference participants.

In order to progress the planning process, we will appreciate your response by the 30 October 2008.  Find attached the provisional program for the 2008 Media Conference. For more information, please call Nimo Kama on 3233974 or email: nkama@mdi.org.pg.

 

Thank you and we look forward to your response.

 

Yours truly,

 

NWKama

Nimo Walter Kama

Activities Coordinator, Media for Development Initiatives

 

_________________________________________________________________

Media Council of Papua New Guinea

Suite 2, Monian Haus, Nita Street. Tabari Place, PO Box 135, Port Moresby, NCD

Phone: (675) 3233974 Fax: (675) 3233349

 

Monday, October 27, 2008

Major banks back InterOil

PORTMORESBY: Two of Papua New Guinea’s leading financial institutions will provide InterOil with a K150 million revolving working capital loan facility.

The financiers are the Bank of South Pacific Limited and Westpac Bank PNG Limited.

The facility will be used for InterOil’s wholesale and retail petroleum distribution business in Papua New Guinea.

The Company’s Chief Financial Officer Collin Visaggio says the transaction shows Papua New Guinea’s banking industry remains strong despite the current international credit meltdown.

“The arrangement is evidence of the solid relationships and strong presence InterOil has in the PNG marketplace.

“The loan facility will help ensure the continued, smooth day to day running of our distribution business”.

“It will do this by providing increased security for our working capital requirements.”

InterOil owns and operates Papua New Guinea’s only oil refinery. The plant is capable of processing up to 32,500 barrels of crude oil a day, about double the national requirement.

It produces a wide range of fuels including petrol, diesel, kerosene and aviation fuel.

The refinery also distributes a new product called InterOil Power Fuel which has been developed especially for industry.

InterOil also has more than 60 branded service stations throughout Papua New Guinea.

It also has a number of important supply contracts with commercial aviation, mining transport and other companies.

InterOil supplies about two thirds of the PNG fuel market.

 For further in formation please contact

Susuve Laumaea

Senior Manager -- Media Relations

InterOil Corporation

Ph: 321 7040

Mobile: 684 5168

Email: susuve.laumaea@interoil.com

 

Importance of the cultural sector in Papua New Guinea

By WILSON THOMPSON

In recent months, there were newspaper reports of the National Museum and Art Gallery of PNG having problems with its electricity, water and telephone services and its imminent closure to the public.

Then, there was public disapproval about the decision of the National Government to export the “Swamp Ghost” to USA.

Minister Charles Abel issued a statement that it was one of the hardest decisions.

True to his words, he has recently visited three reconstructed aircraftsawaiting their return to PNG and a new home.

They are based at RAAF base in Queensland and also in NSW.

Unlike the Swamp Ghost, they are safely located in Australia.

Should they be returned to sit idle at the Jacksons Tarmac, as one of the DC3 donated fore display lays in shame near the ATS Base at Jacksons?

 In one of the Public Accounts Committee Hearing in 2003, the then Director, Soroi Marepo Eo’o, with his executives, including the current Director, Simon Poraituk, said that the NMAG was a periphery organisation.

The committee members were taken back and requested explanation in no uncertain terms.

Mr Eo’e said that the NMAG was one of the oldest and the surviving instruction in PNG commencing in 1915, yet, its existence had not been recognised by successive governments after Independence.

When pressed further,  Mr Eo’e and his  management said that even before the National Parliament and other administrative headquarters moved to Waigani, the National Museum was the landmark and icon established in 1977.

Despite being very close to Parliament and the National Government, its plight has been denied and despite that, it has continued to survive.

He argued that despite budgetary Requests and submissions and PIP submissions for renovation of Old House of Assembly, Independence Park and Heritage and Convention Centre and revamp of the Museum, funding was not available.

It is a worldwide phenomenon where the cultural sector is given prominence early in the Independence struggle and new museum and historical Centers are built but cannot be maintained over the years, as other social and economic realities do not allow.

The National Museum, National Library and National Archives are no exception.

At or after Independence, these were given prominence.

Even the Independence activists were identified with the cultural icons and sector.

For example, Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare was the first President of the Trustees of NMAG at the declaration of the Independent Sate of PNG.

He was followed by person in Sir Moi Avei, John Kasaiplowa, Arthur Jawomdimbari, Bernard Narakobi, Stalin Yawa and the list continues.

Our current Governor General was the immediate President of the Trustees of the NMAG when he was elected to the post in 2003.

Despite the prominence and the wealth of experience, the Government has often turned a blind eye.

Unfortunately, it is due to circumstances and the need to improve the social and economic wellbeing and development of the country through communication, transport and other social service infrastructure.

Nevertheless, in recent years, the government has now given some attention to the sector.

With donor assistance, the National Library has now been renovated.

The NMAG was allocated funds to replace its ailing air conditioning system at cost ofK2 million.

However, this has also resulted in usage of more electricity and water to work the cooling system and thus the ripple effect on the recurrent funds of the NMAG.

Minister Abel, a young and energetic Minister, has now come onto the scene and is quietly working out strategies as to change the scenario.

 He has emphasised on tourism development and the development of the cultural sector as the attraction.

Last month, Minister Abel travelled to Goroka and Kainantu and without fanfare, whether by design or fate, gave K160, 000 as grant assistance to the Eastern Highlands Cultural Centre in Kainantu.

 It was the first in 25 years and they could not believe but openly shed tears of joy.

 The centre is one of the icons of Kainantu, despite being called a ‘cowboy country’.

The staff of 15 has survived not from government payroll and funding but sheer hard work by operating their kiln and weaving sections. They produce one of the finest cups, plates, and the likes from clay as well as weave rugs.

The EHCC pays for the clay at K100 per load and also asks sheep farmers to provide wools.

The products are sold mostly to expatriates attached into Kainantu by SIL Ukarumpa and the NARI, coffee and inland fisheries research centres in Aiyura Valley.

Also, they sell at various Shows and also most are sold to Brian Bell Group of Companies.

At the same juncture, the Minister also signed a Memorandum of Agreement between the JK McCarthy Museum, branch of NMAG with the University of Goroka to expand its inaugural Cultural and Heritage Management Studies.

It has progressed over the last five years and now has its own diploma programmes.

This was further extended with another signing committing the National Cultural Commission and UOG in area of theatre, performing arts and dances and music.

Culture and environment are fundamental to our very existence as Papua New Guineas, something which sets us aside from other nations of the world. 

PNG is blessed with abundant natural resources and so as rich and varied cultural heritage expressed through different art forms, dance traditions, ritual practices and over 800 different languages, each maintaining its uniqueness and vitality. 

We must be mindful that the engine room of our development i.e., mineral, petroleum and forest industries are winding down operations and the Government need to look at alternatives.

 There are certain resources which are already inherent in the country such as culture and tradition, flora and fauna and the geography that can be utilised to provide employment, income earning opportunities, assist in poverty alleviation as well as in promoting the conservation of cultures, environment and the society norms and values.

It is evident that the Minister is trying to find synergy to harness PNG’s great potential in its cultural heritage to combine with  culture, environment and tourism.  

 Hence, Papua New Guineans can develop within their societal setting in utilising culture, environment and other diversity to conserve, protect as well as promote its use to alleviate poverty, create employment and income earning opportunities and to pass these down to future generations.

The author served as Trustee of the NMAG from 1999-2000 and also from 2003 to 2005 and as First Secretary for Culture and Tourism from 2003 to2005. Telephone (675) 323 5644 or mobile 696 74 9796 

 

Win A House For X'mas and Support the Leditami Foundation!

 

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Papua New Guinea Kumuls put up a commendable performance

Our Papua New Guinea Kumuls put up a gutsy performance against England before going down 32-22 in Townsville, Australia, last night as the Englishmen survived a tough fired-up challenge from Papua New Guinea to win their opening match at the rugby league World Cup.

 

It seemed that most, if not all, of Papua New Guinea was glued to their TV sets last night cheering their heads off.

 

My kids were oblivious to the world as the Kumuls dominated the first half.

The English trailed the Kumuls 16-12 at halftime and were heading for an embarrassing first-up loss before rallying in the second half for a six tries to four victory in tropical conditions in northern Queensland.

Leeds Rhinos winger Lee Smith scored a hattrick of tries on debut, two of them in the opening half as England overcame their opening examination in cut-throat Pool One, which also features leading title hopes, Australia and New Zealand.

Papua New Guinea gave the game away in the second half through mistakes and poor discipline.

 

Brian Noble on England's narrow win

Caption: Paul Wellens is caught between PNG duo Tuu Maori and George Keppa

By Brian Noble
Wigan Warriors coach and BBC analyst

England were probably a little surprised by the enthusiasm shown by the Papua New Guinea team in Saturday's World Cup opener but despite the narrow margin of victory, it was a great workout for Tony Smith's side.

PNG showed up strongly and were really close to causing a major upset. But at the end of the day for England it was about getting the win and the points in the group.

It was a nervous and anxious night for England supporters but their team showed enough composure and patience in the second half to get the win.

When Tony Smith sits down and has a look back at the game, he will think it was what England needed. They can use that performance as a template for the next games in the competition and improve against Australia next weekend.

PNG probably played to their full potential but England are smart enough to recognise that they cannot afford to play as they did here in Townsville against Australia and New Zealand. I'm sure the Australian media will give them a hard time over this result but that's the nature of the beast.

The fact that England were not at their best is probably a good thing at this early stage of the competition. It is important to remember that it's not how you start - it's how you finish - and they could have three or four more games to play as the tournament goes on.

The defence looked a bit rusty but you could expect that. You are going to get caught with a couple of things you probably would not do when you are completely on your game.

The game and the result will help wake England up and make them recognise that this competition is alive and vibrant and you are not going to walk over anybody in it.

Tony Smith will probably be a bit relieved because all coaches have horrible nights when the bounce of the ball does not go your way and you commit more errors than you would like to, but he will be pleased with the win.

I thought Rob Burrow and James Roby sparked England at crucial times. Adrian Morley and Jamie Peacock looked better for the run-out and Maurie Fa'asavalu and James Graham also looked good going forward.

There was a fantastic atmosphere in the stadium with the locals backing the Kumuls and they responded with great enthusiasm.

For PNG, the Hull KR duo of Stanley Gene and Makali Aizue were outstanding, as was their hooker Charlie Wabo, who came on from the bench and did some great things.

Stanley, who led his side superbly, belies the years and keeps putting in superb performances. He's done it for Hull KR a couple of times this season and who knows how long he can go on for?

It's alleged that he has four passports where his age ranges from 44 to 34 and his true age is probably somewhere in between. Having coached him at Bradford for a year, I've seen a passport with 42 on it!

I think PNG really fancied turning over England here and that's what made for such an exciting game.

This may have been their best chance to beat one of the big three teams. Australia and New Zealand may not see as much enthusiasm from the Kumuls as we saw here.

Brian Noble was speaking to BBC Sport's Elizabeth Hudson

England survive World Cup opener scare

The English trailed the Kumuls 16-12 at halftime and were heading for an embarrassing first-up loss before rallying in the second half for a six tries to four victory in tropical conditions in northern Queensland.

Leeds Rhinos winger Lee Smith scored a hattrick of tries on debut, two of them in the opening half as England overcame their opening examination in cut-throat Pool One, which also features leading title hopes, Australia and New Zealand.

The fourth finishing team in the pool is eliminated and the pressure is now on PNG to upset either the Kiwis or the Kangaroos to have a hope of playing in the semi-finals of the 10-team tournament.

St Helens winger Ade Gardner scored twice with Warrington centre Martin Gleeson England's other tryscorer, while Leeds Rhinos' Kevin Sinfield landed four goals.

The Kumuls' tries came from Penrith hooker Paul Aiton, Jason Chan, Rod Griffin and George Kepa, with skipper and Salford Reds' fullback John Wilshere landing three goals.

England were made to fight all the way before securing the win and fell behind at halftime to the committed Kumuls, featuring several players from the English Super League and Australia's National Rugby League.

PNG were unable to maintain their intensity in the second half, although Aiton ended the English second-half domination by scoring a consolation try in the 75th minute.

But England will need to lift on their opening effort for their second match of the tournament against hosts and nine-time World Cup champions Australia in their next game in Melbourne on November 2.

The Kumuls head to the Gold Coast to try and stay alive against the Kiwis next Saturday. New Zealand and Australia play in Sydney today.

Friday, October 24, 2008

PACIFIC ACP STATES COMMITTED TO CONTINUE NEGOTIATING EPA WITH EU AS SINGLE REGION

The Pacific ACP States have reaffirmed their commitment to continue the negotiations of an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the European Union (EU) “as a single region” based on existing negotiating positions as agreed last March.

At the two-day PACP Trade Ministers Meeting (PACPTMM) held in Nadi, Fiji 20 – 21 October, the Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to conclude the negotiations as a unified region and their support for the efforts made to date by PACP Officials supported by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS).

In considering a progress report on the state of negotiations, Ministers recognized that while progress had been made on various technical issues at the September meeting of PACP and European Commission (EC) officials, a number of significant EPA issues remained outstanding that would require some time to work through.  They directed their officials to continue their efforts in that regard and to meet directly with the EC side when such a meeting was required to make significant progress

The PACP Trade Ministers agreed that it would also be useful to discuss the region’s approach to the EPA during the November meetings of the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, and PACP – EU Joint Parliamentarians with their European counterparts in Vanuatu.

The Ministers also considered the possibility of launching a PACP Ministerial Mission to selected European capitals to seek their support for the PACP States’ position on the EPA.

The PACP Trade Ministers agreed that the Solomon Islands Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Relations, Hon. William Haomae, who is currently the Alternate Lead Spokesperson for the EPA negotiations, will temporarily assume the role of PACP Lead Spokesperson.

The meeting also discussed the Pacific Island Countries Trade Agreement, (PICTA) the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER) Plus with Australia and New Zealand and other trade-related issues and gave directions for follow-up action by officials and the PIFS to strengthen regional integration among the Forum Island Countries (FICs) and to deepen trade and economic cooperation between FICs, Australia and New Zealand.

Trade Ministers from the Cook Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu attended the meeting.  The Republic of the Marshall Islands and Palau were represented by senior Trade Officials.

The meeting was chaired by Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, Fiji’s interim Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Provincial Government and Multi-Ethnic Affairs.

For more information, contact Dr Roman Grynberg on phone 679 331 2600 or email: romang@forumsec.org.fj

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Toyota Sprint Triathlon

The Toyota Sprint Triathlon will definitely be realised on Saturday November 1. 

Adverts will be placed in the local daily newspapers plus stories on the radio. 

Organisers say there are enough keen athletes to run the event. 

Entries are still coming in and they are confident they can attract a minimum of 14 athletes - comprising of men and women.