ENG – Litara crowned Miss Pacific Islands

Samoa has retained the Miss Pacific Islands crown making it 9 times it has come our way since the pageant was established in 1987.

Outgoing Miss Pacific Islands Moemoana Safaatoa Schwenke crowned Miss Samoa Litara Ieremia-Allan following hours of suspense on the night of the pageant held at the Friendship Hall in Honiara, Solomon Islands.

Despite Litara walking away from the pageant as top contender, all the contestants proved themselves worthy of their presence on stage and especially their representation of their countries throughout the week of the event climaxing with the crowning night.

Eight beautiful contestants representing their island homes and people participated in this year’s pageant; Miss Solomon Islands, Miss American Samoa, Miss Tonga, Miss Cook Islands, Miss Nauru, Miss Samoa, Miss Papua New Guinea, and Miss Kiribati.

Next year the annually anticipated event will be hosted in Fiji.

As holder of the title Miss Pacific Islands, Litara will represent the Pacific at international events.

Former Miss Pacific Islands Moemoana was reported by overseas media in the Solomon Islands prior to the pageant night that the Miss Pacific Islands platform, “…is all about preserving, promoting, and perpetuating our Pacific cultures, celebrating our Pacific women, and all of the beauty that comes in all forms.”

Miss Tonga Rachael Guttenbeil who won the people’s choice awards was announced first runner up to Miss Samoa, while second-runner up was awarded to Miss American Samoa Pauliana Felise-Vitale.

Miss Solomon Islands Elsie Polosovai walked away with the third runner-up title while Miss Cook Islands Ngatepaeru Marie Maoate took the fourth runner up spot.

Special Awards:

Traditionally Inspired Attire – Miss Tonga Racheal Guttenbeil

Best Sarong – Miss Papua New Guinea May Hasola

People’s Choice Award – Miss Tonga Rachael Guttenbeil

Miss Photogenic – Miss Samoa Litara Ieremia Allan

Miss National Tourism Award – Miss American Samoa Pauliana Felise-Vitale

Main Awards:

Best Talent – Miss American Samoa Pauliana Felise-Vitale

Best Interview – Miss Samoa Litara Ieremia Allan

Placings:

4th runner up – Miss Cook Islands

3rd runner up – Miss Solomon Islands

2nd runner up – Miss American Samoa

1st runner up – Miss Tonga

Miss Pacific Islands – Miss Samoa

Written by Leota Marc Membrere (Sāvali Newspaper)

ATA: Miss Pacific Islands.