Nineteen-year-old Martina Kathleen Tulpe Sigrah will be promoting 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 is representing Island Accommodation. Currently a Journalism and Law student at the University of the South Pacific, Martina hails from Rabi, home of the Banabans, and has ties to Kiribati and Kosrae Island.
She comes from a family of eight and is supported by her parents, three sisters, and two brothers. Inspired by her siblings, who have been passionate paddlers since her childhood, Martina began paddling at the age of 14. Their support helped her become the first in her family to wear the national jumper and represent her country internationally.
In addition to her athletic pursuits, Martina is a cultural dancer, sharing stories about the struggles of the Banaban people since the colonial era. Her dedication to ocean conservation drives her to actively participate in beach and marine cleanups to combat pollution.
Her sponsor, Island Accommodation, offers serviced apartments in Suva and Nadi, as well as 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.