Fiji will have its first runner-up, Miss Ailava Samuels, representing the country at the Miss Pacific Islands 2026 pageant. The announcement comes after the Miss Fiji titleholder chose not to participate and declined the required contract for the event.
The Miss Fiji Pageant Secretariat confirmed that all protocols were properly followed in making this decision. Pageant Director Ana Tuiketei noted that discussions with the titleholder began on December 15 and continued into January. Unfortunately, due to contractual obligations and time constraints, the titleholder was unable to commit before the registration deadline.
Tuiketei emphasized that while both the titleholder and the first runner-up were initially informed about the possibility of representing Fiji, only one contestant could ultimately be confirmed. The pageant’s requirements included a standard contract detailing management, representation, and availability, and the negotiations with the titleholder took longer than the timeline allowed.
With the registration deadline having closed last week, the Secretariat extended the contract to Miss Ailava Samuels last Thursday, which she signed and returned the same day, officially designating her as Fiji’s representative.
Dr. Peggy Ravusiro, the Miss Fiji titleholder and medical intern, formally declined the contract. However, Tuiketei reassured that this decision does not impact Ravusiro’s national or municipal titles. She indicated that the focus of the appointment is solely on ensuring Fiji’s participation in the regional pageant, set to take place in four weeks. The Secretariat is dedicated to ensuring a representative who is prepared and able to fulfill all the requirements of the competition. This proactive approach reflects the commitment to maintaining Fiji’s strong presence in the pageant circuit.
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