Nineteen-year-old Martina Kathleen Tulpe Sigrah is set to promote ocean conservation at the 2024 Miss Hibiscus Festival in Suva. The bronze medalist from the 2023 Pacific Games in the V12 open 500m women’s category will represent Island Accommodation.
Martina is currently pursuing a degree in Journalism and Law at the University of the South Pacific. Originating from Rabi, the home of the Banabans, she has ties to Kiribati and Kosrae Island. Coming from a family of eight, she enjoys the support of her parents, three sisters, and two brothers.
She has been influenced by her siblings, who are enthusiastic paddlers, since she started at the age of 14. Their encouragement has enabled her to become the first in her family to wear the national jersey and represent her country on the global stage.
In addition to paddling, Martina is a cultural dancer, focusing on conveying the story of the Banaban people’s struggles since colonial times. Her passion for the ocean drives her to actively participate in beach and marine clean-up efforts to combat pollution.
Her sponsor, Island Accommodation, offers serviced apartments in Suva and Nadi, as well as villas in Pacific Harbor. The company caters to a diverse clientele, including locals, international visitors, 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.