Alisi Rabukawaqa, Miss South Pacific Islands 2011, has publicly expressed her dismay over what she perceives as a decline in professionalism within the Miss Fiji Pageant. Her remarks stem from her experience as a personal chaperone for Miss Fiji, Dr. Peggy Ravusiro, during which she encountered what she described as unprofessional conduct and baseless allegations from the pageant committee.
Rabukawaqa’s involvement with the pageant began after attending meetings as part of the support team for Miss Hibiscus, Rhyelle Aisea. Following the pageant, the team asked her to serve as Dr. Ravusiro’s chaperone, a role she accepted based on the team’s positive intentions. However, she claimed to have been confronted with damaging accusations regarding her character prior to an official meeting with the Miss Fiji Pageant committee. These allegations included supposed contractual issues with the Suva City Council and questions around her suitability as a chaperone.
Despite facing these accusations, Rabukawaqa attended the meeting but felt that she was met with further unjustified attacks regarding her character. She characterized the experience as entirely unprofessional and emphasized that her support for Dr. Peggy was independent of the Miss Fiji Pageant Committee, thus not requiring their endorsement or approval.
As of now, the Miss Fiji Pageant Committee has yet to address Rabukawaqa’s statements but has indicated that they will provide a response later today. This situation highlights the ongoing challenges within beauty pageants and raises questions about how organizations handle interpersonal and professional disputes. It is hoped that transparency and resolution will emerge from this situation, fostering a more positive environment for all involved.
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