Litia Dewa celebrated her recent title as Miss Hibiscus 1990, reflecting on her journey during the competition held on August 27, 1990. The 24-year-old queen expressed her feelings of uncertainty at the beginning of the festival but was ultimately proud of her achievement.
“I didn’t quite believe it at first, though I must admit I felt confident going into the contest,” Dewa shared. She recounted her disappointment during the initial public judging but noted that she turned that experience into motivation to improve.
As the competition progressed, Dewa felt more at ease during the private judging, which she credits for her success. She spoke about overcoming challenges, including rain and mud, by maintaining a positive outlook.
“At the second public judging, I reminded myself to relax, which helped my performance,” she said. “Last night (Saturday), I was elated, and I’m proud to be chosen as this year’s queen.”
Dewa also emphasized the importance of community support, expressing gratitude to her family and encouraging young women to take part in similar competitions for their enjoyment and the cultural representation of Fiji abroad. She reassured listeners that despite recent challenges, Fiji remains economically and politically stable.
“My family is incredibly happy for me,” Dewa commented. “All the rain and mud became part of my good fortune. You learn to adapt and make the best of situations beyond your control.”
She concluded by stating that her experience has boosted her confidence and endorsed the competition as a valuable opportunity for personal growth and fun while promoting the beauty of Fiji to the world.