Nineteen-year-old Martina Kathleen Tulpe Sigrah is set to advocate for ocean conservation at the 2024 Miss Hibiscus Festival in Suva. The bronze medalist in the V12 open 500m women’s category at the 2023 Pacific Games will represent Island Accommodation.
Martina is currently pursuing a double degree in Journalism and Law at the University of the South Pacific. She hails from Rabi, home to the Banabans, and has connections to Kiribati and Kosrae Island. She comes from a large family of eight, supported by her parents, three sisters, and two brothers.
Inspired by her siblings, who have been avid paddlers since her teens, Martina has followed in their footsteps, becoming the first in her family to wear the national jumper and compete internationally.
In addition to her athletic pursuits, Martina is a cultural dancer, dedicated to sharing the history of the Banaban people dating back to colonial times. Her passion for the ocean drives her involvement in beach clean-up efforts, addressing the challenges of pollution.
Her sponsor, Island Accommodation, offers serviced apartments in Suva and Nadi, along with villas in Pacific Harbor, catering to local and international clients, including professionals, families, students, groups, and sports teams.
The Hibiscus Festival is scheduled to take place from August 31 to September 7 at the Suva Foreshore and the Civic Centre.