Litia Dewa celebrated her victory as Miss Hibiscus 1990, a recognition she received on August 27, 1990. The 24-year-old was highlighted by The Fiji Times following her crowning, expressing a mix of joy and fatigue from the festival’s packed schedule.
Initially, Dewa harbored doubts about her performance, admitting that although she felt confident entering the contest, she experienced disappointment during the first public judging. “I was so disappointed with my performance that I thought there was only one way to go and that was up,” she stated. However, she found her rhythm during the private judging, which helped her secure the title.
She recounted overcoming challenges such as rain and mud with a positive outlook. “At the second public judging, I decided to relax and not worry excessively, which I believe improved my performance,” she reflected.
On the evening of her victory, she expressed elation and pride in her new title, emphasizing the support from her family and encouraging young women to participate in the competition for its rewarding experience and for promoting Fiji on the global stage.
Dewa reassured that Fiji is economically and politically stable despite facing recent hurdles, adding, “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 concluded by expressing her newfound confidence and recommending the experience to young women, labeling it both enjoyable and meaningful, and highlighting the opportunity to showcase Fiji’s beautiful beaches and warm hospitality as an ambassador abroad.