Litia Dewa celebrated her recent crowning as Miss Hibiscus 1990. On August 27, 1990, the moment was featured prominently in local news. The 24-year-old reflected on her experience, admitting she felt a mix of exhaustion from the festival and initial doubts about her performance in the competition.
“I didn’t quite believe it at first, though I must admit that I did feel confident going into the contest,” Dewa shared. However, she expressed disappointment in her performance during the first public judging, thinking the only way to go was up from there.
Her confidence grew during the private judging, which played a significant role in her ultimate victory. She described the experience as challenging, but emphasized her positive mindset in overcoming obstacles like rain and mud. “At the second public judging, I just told myself to relax and not worry too much, and I think that helped me do better,” she noted.
Elated by her success, Ms. Dewa expressed pride in her achievement and gratitude for her family’s support. She encouraged young women to enter such competitions for their enriching experiences and highlighted the opportunity to promote Fiji internationally.
Moreover, she reassured that Fiji remains stable economically and politically despite recent difficulties. Dewa concluded with a light-hearted comment about her family’s joy regarding her win, sharing her newfound confidence and encouraging participation in future events, describing them as fun and beneficial experiences.