Litia Dewa celebrated her victory as Miss Hibiscus 1990 following her crowning on August 27, 1990. The 24-year-old queen shared her experience with The Fiji Times, reflecting on the initial difficulties she faced during the competition, despite entering with some confidence.
“I didn’t quite believe it at first though I must admit that I did feel confident going into the contest,” Ms. Dewa stated, noting her disappointment in her initial public performance, which motivated her to improve.
She gained confidence during the private judging, which played a significant role in her success. Ms. Dewa spoke of challenges like rain and mud as minor obstacles that she tackled with a positive mindset.
“At the second public judging, I thought I just had to relax and not worry unduly, and I think I did better as a result,” she said, expressing her elation at being crowned queen.
She expressed gratitude for her supportive family and encouraged young women to participate in the competition for its rewarding experience and the opportunity to represent Fiji positively on a global stage.
“My family — there’s a whole tribe of them — are extremely happy for me too. All the rain and the mud just seemed part of my luck,” she remarked humorously.
Ms. Dewa emphasized that the experience left her feeling more confident than when she started, and she encouraged others to enter the competition, highlighting the fun aspect and the chance to showcase Fiji’s beauty and friendly culture.