31st Miss Pacific Islands Pageant Gets First Night Of Competition Underway

The 31st Miss Pacific Islands Pageant officially began last night in the friendly Islands of Fiji, with the nine beautiful contestants taking to the stage for their first night of public judging.
The first appearance for the contestants was their introduction, where they came out firing with a well-versed overview of themselves and their respective countries in front of a well-appointed panel of judges. This was followed by their sarong with each showcasing not only their nicely printed swim wear, but their poise and charisma in carrying themselves with a twist from their own countries in linking with the Pageant theme of ‘climate change action to sustain our Islands’.
The judged categories of the Pageant contest this year is spread out into three nights of competition, with the winner to be crowned on the fourth and final night on Saturday 9th December at Prince Charles Park in Nadi town.
Fiji President, His Excellency Jioji Konrote delivered the keynote address of the night and acknowledged with appreciation the importance and direction of the Pacific Pageant as well as the dialogue on issues Pacific people are facing.
“Through our support of regional events such as the Pacific Pageant, our young women can share their experiences, hopes and aspirations, for a peaceful and safer pacific tomorrow,” said His Excellency.
“This is a platform for our young women to speak on the issues they are passionate about, issues that affect our society, our health, our well-being, our children, our families, our education, our developments, our environment, our people and our livelihood.”
The President also acknowledged the importance of the Pageant Theme.
“It’s a humbling feeling that this is the most time and apt theme as Fiji has just assumed presidency of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change COP23.
“I wish to acknowledge the collective support of leaders, the governments, the private sectors and civil society organisations throughout the pacific, who are promoting the timely, proactive and decisive actions to protect our Islands from the detrimental effects of climate change.” He added.
He also acknowledged all the organisers of the Pageant and the commitment in making this a reality.
“This is the way of the Pacific, and that is our way, the Pacific way.”
The Chairman of the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant Inc. and Samoa’s Minister of Tourism, Hon. Sala Fata Pinati could not attend the Pageant and extended his warm greetings to one and all through his message that was read out.
“The Miss Pacific Islands has always been known as ‘a Pageant with a Difference’ as it is one of integrity and promotion of our Pacific Ladies’ wonderful attributes, and what others can expect from our beautiful countries and diverse cultures,” said Sala.
“I would like to thank the incredible work and support of the Pageant’s founding members, and acknowledge with gratitude the support and contribution of our Miss Pacific Islands Pageant Board of Directors and our Host Country of Fiji, and the host town, Nadi, which is celebrating its transition from town, and soon to be a city.”
“I also acknowledge the reigning Miss Pacific Islands, Anne Dunn for your successful work and charisma for maintaining positive stamina in the last 12 months of your reign, and likewise acknowledge the commitment of the nine Pacific beauties who are in high spirits to represent their respective Pacific Island nations this year.”
Earlier-on in the opening day of the Pageant, a parade was held through the streets of Nadi town where the public had the chance to meet their favourite contestants.
The contestants have picked their respective topics for interview presentations namely, Gender Equality, Education, Tourism, Politics, Culture, Climate Change Action to sustain our Islands, Technology, Environment and Health.
The presentation of topics will be judged this morning, followed by the Talent category in the evening. Friday night is the traditionally inspired attire category and the stage interview, and Saturday night is the crowning of the winner.

 
The Internet Voting via Facebook continues and will close on Friday midnight.
View Photos and follow developments of the Pageant including how to vote
online for your favourite Pacific Beauty, visit Website:
http://www.misspacificislands.org/ and Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/MissPacificIslands/
 
ENDS
 
(Source: Su’a Hesed Ieremia Media Secretary Miss Pacific Islands Pageant Media Release 07 December 2017)
For further information contact
Su’a Hesed Ieremia,
Media Secretary
Miss Pacific Islands Pageant
T: +685 63500 | M: +685 7247865 | E: hesed@samoa.travel