The Miss Fiji Pageant committee has confirmed that Ailava Samuels will be Fiji’s official representative at the upcoming Miss Pacific Islands Pageant (MPIP), following written confirmation from the MPIP Secretariat. This announcement comes after remarks made by Acting Prime Minister Filimoni Vosarogo regarding the matter.
In a statement, the committee clarified that they were following directives from the Minister for Local Government and Housing, Maciu Nalumisa, to proceed with Ms. Samuels as Fiji’s representative. “The pageant committee defers to the line minister … who has instructed the committee to proceed with Miss Ailava Samuels to represent Fiji to the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant,” the committee stated.
Moreover, the committee pointed out that the Acting Prime Minister’s comments were at odds with previous positions held by Sitiveni Rabuka and Maciu Katamotu, who had also submitted the same Cabinet paper for approval. They emphasized that the government would not interfere with the operational decisions of independent pageant organizations, including the selection process for representatives at regional and international events.
In their communication, the committee reiterated that they had received formal acknowledgment from the MPIP Secretariat confirming Ms. Samuels as Fiji’s designated representative. They warned that any attempt to alter this decision could leave Fiji without a representative at the pageant.
Following the Acting Prime Minister’s statements, the line minister once again urged the pageant committee to overlook these comments and proceed with their preparations for the event. As the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant 2026 approaches, Fiji looks forward to hosting this vital regional gathering. The committee remains committed to ensuring a successful event while upholding the integrity of its representation.
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