Martina Kathleen Tulpe Sigrah, a 19-year-old student and bronze medalist from the 2023 Pacific Games, is set to advocate for ocean conservation during the 2024 Miss Hibiscus Festival in Suva. Representing Island Accommodation, Martina competes in the V12 open 500m women’s category.
Currently pursuing a degree in Journalism and Law at the University of the South Pacific, Martina hails from Rabi, home to the Banabans, with ancestral connections to Kiribati and Kosrae Island. She comes from a family of eight that includes her parents, three sisters, and two brothers, who have supported her journey.
Since the age of 14, Martina was inspired by her siblings, who are avid paddlers, leading her to become the first in her family to represent the nation on the international stage. In addition to her athletic pursuits, Martina is a cultural dancer who shares the history of the Banaban people.
Her passion for the ocean drives her involvement in community initiatives aimed at cleaning beaches and combating pollution. Island Accommodation, which supports her as a sponsor, offers serviced apartments and villas in Suva, Nadi, and Pacific Harbor, catering to a diverse clientele including professionals 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.