When Litara Ieremia Allan was crowned Miss Pacific Islands 2025 in Honiara, Solomon Islands, she embarked on a meaningful journey centered around the art of listening. This mission involves not only tuning into the land and sea but also engaging with her community and the ‘unsaids’—the unspoken truths that embody the subtle yet profound strength of the Pacific.
“My journey as Miss Pacific Islands 2025 has been one of learning how to listen well,” Litara shared. She emphasized the importance of understanding her own story and heritage, which allowed her to connect more deeply with the narratives of her family and the broader Pacific community, rich with cultural, economic, political, and spiritual nuances. This commitment to listening has been integral to her travels and engagements throughout the Pacific during her reign.
Reflecting on her past year, Litara cited the Samoan term paema auli, which honors women as peacemakers who embody grace and resilience. “I see it as the role of one who stands strong yet remains calm, bringing grace where there has been pain,” she noted. Her journey has not been without its challenges, but she found fulfillment in acting as a peacemaker in times of division.
Proudly representing her Samoan roots, Litara sees Pacific Islanders as creative innovators and storytellers across various fields, including business, politics, education, and the arts. “We reflect this ability to create and inspire stories,” she stated, hoping that the international community will engage with the Pacific in a manner that respects its cultural richness.
She expressed a desire for visitors to the Pacific to acknowledge the depth of the region, stating, “I hope that people interacting with the Pacific understand the time it takes to meaningfully engage with our home.” Litara urged that understanding the ‘unsaids’ requires patience, genuine connection, and a pure heart, encouraging a deeper engagement with Pacific communities.
As the anticipation builds for the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant 2026, scheduled to take place in Nadi on February 13 and 14, Litara’s reflections resonate as a call to action: to listen deeply, serve selflessly, and embody the quiet strength of the Pacific Islands in every encounter. “God’s plans for you are wilder and more beautiful than you could ever imagine. But you can’t do it without Him,” she advised young women aspiring to follow in her footsteps. “Serve your people— with or without a crown.”
Litara’s journey reminds us of the beauty in listening and the power of community, shedding light on the transformative potential that arises when we commit to understanding and embracing one another.
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