Fiji’s Ailava Samuels being crowned on Saturday night. Photo credit: Facebook / Miss Pacific Islands.
Source: RNZ Pacific
Ailava Samuels of Fiji is the new Miss Pacific Islands.
Ailava won the beauty pageant on home soil during the crowning night in Nadi on Saturday, marking Fiji’s first win since 2016.
The 19-year-old also received the Best Interview award.
Ailava’s win was no easy feat, reports The Fiji Times, adding that she faced cyberbullying in the lead-up to the event.
“Despite being written off by some critics, the young contestant graced the week-long regional pageant with humility, strength and respect for her Pacific sisters,” the newspaper says.
Ailava says her journey was, indeed, not easy nor particularly enjoyable.
“But I must say I’m grateful for all the support I have had from all my family, friends and beautiful sash sisters and their teams,” she says.
In a winner’s speech, Ailava says winning the crown was not a reward, but a responsibility.
She promises to continue her advocacy on online.
“My mission is that when I pass the crown to the next queen, I leave a legacy behind where I have created as many safe spaces as possible for each and every Pacific Islander out there.”
The runners-up included Papua New Guinea’s Iampela Popena (first), Samoa’s Feagaimaali’i Soti Mapu (second), Tonga’s Siosi’ana Patricia Taumoepeau (third), and Cook Islands Petra Mataiti (fourth).
Other special awards were presented to Miss Tonga (Miss Tourism and Best Sarong); Miss Papua New Guinea (Miss Internet and Best Traditional Wear); Miss Cook Islands (Miss Photogenic and Best Talent); and Miss Kiribati Atiterentaai Rinimarawa (Miss Personality).