Methodist Church answers call, postpones conference for Games

By Talaia Mika 14 February 2019, 12:00AM

The Methodist Church has had to postpone their annual conference this year in order to accommodate the Government’s request to provide accommodation for Pacific Games athletes and officials.

This was revealed by the Methodist Church Secretary, Reverend Faulalo Leti Paaga, during an interview where he assured the public the church is willing to do its part to ensure Samoa hosts a successful Games.

He told the Samoa Observer the Church received a letter from the Government seeking their assistance. 

 “Who wouldn’t want to respond to the Government when they’ve already asked for help?” he said. 

“For us, we wanted to participate in the affairs involving our country and make sure we do the best we can to host the Games. We also want to do the best we can to facilitate our guests.”

The letter from the Government asked the church to host delegates from other Pacific Island nations and territories, when they fly in for the Games in July.

The decision, he said, was not easy.

Rev. Faulalo said there were complaints from some congregation members who live abroad, at the abrupt deferral of the conference. 

However, most church members supported the decision.

“The moral is that even if there were two members who disagree, if the rest agrees then that’s it and that’s how it is,” he added. 

The South Pacific Games Committee initially inspected the Methodist Church compound and concluded that the area is enough to host about 4,000 people arriving from overseas.

Rev. Faulalo confirmed that three new buildings are in the construction phase and will be prepared and ready for the guests’ accommodation.

Church-run schools like George Brown Primary School and Hall of the Church’s Kindergarten School are also ready to host and take on accommodation responsibilities. 

By Talaia Mika 14 February 2019, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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