Miss Pacific Islands:Pageant Solomons, American Samoa Contestants Arrive Early

Two contestants for the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant 2017Miss Pacific Islands Pageant 2017 have already arrived at the host municipality in Nadi.

Minister for Local Government, Housing and Environment, Infrastructure and Transport Parveen Bala confirmed this yesterday at a press conference in Suva.

Mr Bala said Miss Solomon Islands Emily Chan and Miss American Samoa Matauaina To’omalatai arrived earlier this week and the rest of the seven contestants were expected to arrive tomorrow.

He said the nine contestants would be vying for the Miss Pacific Islands title compared to eight contestants who took part in the 2016 pageant in Samoa.

“The theme is ‘Climate Action to Sustain Our Islands’, and the event organisers decided on the theme based on the recent COP23 outcomes and to support the Prime Minister’s presidency this year,” he said.

“The estimated proposed costing of the pageant is close to $200,000, and the event will not only benefit the municipal council but with the tourism industry at large, people are coming in as far as New Zealand,” Mr Bala said.

Fijian contestants won the title in 2009 when Merewalesi Nailatikau clinched the title and Fiji has managed to regain the title two more times with Alisi Rabukawaqa in 2011 and with the reigning Miss Pacific Anne Dunn from last year.

Contestants this year are: Miss American Samoa, Miss Cook Islands, Miss Fiji, Miss Nauru, Miss Papua New Guinea, Miss Rapanui (Easter Islands), Miss Samoa, Miss Solomon Islands and Miss Tonga.

The main event will be held from December 6-9 at Prince Charles Park, Nadi.

Littering:

Mr Bala also urged Fijians to take pride in their environment and stop littering.

“We are working hard to tackle this issue and have seen stakeholders and individuals coming in and holding activities but we urge them don’t just come once and go back.

“There has to be a continuous programme not just because Fiji is taking part in something or an important event then people want to do something related to it.”

Event Schedule:

A few preliminary events will be held from tomorrow until Tuesday before the official opening with a march along Hospital Road to Prince Charles Park on Wednesday, December 6.

The first public judging will be held on Wednesday night with introductions, a sarong competition and stage interviews for the contestants at Prince Charles Park.

A talent judging will be held on Thursday night followed by a traditional attire show on Friday night.

The pageant will close with a float parade and the crowning on Saturday, December 9.

(Source: FijiSun ONLINE News 30 December 2017)