PAPUA New Guinea has been praised for the “excellent job” in hosting the 2019 Miss Pacific Islands pageant (MPIP). MPIP executive director Faamatuainu Lenata’i Suifua thanked Molly O’Rourke and the PNG committee for organising a magnificent pageant. He also acknowledged the hospitality shown by the people of PNG. The 12 contestants was the largest number to participate in the pageant. Miss Samoa Fonoifafo Nancy McFarland Seumanu was crowned Miss Pacific Islands. The pageant in 2020 will be held in Apia, Samoa. It won the bid to take the pageant home to celebrate the 34th year since its establishment. Samoa’s board director and Manaia Events president Leiataua Jerry Brunt said they would also be celebrating the 30th year of the Teuila Festival. “We look forward to welcoming everyone in 2020 to beautiful Samoa,” he said. The MPIP was introduced in 1985 to be an annual event to promote the contributions of Pacific women in the region through their intelligent, talented and caring characteristics. Go to this link for more: https://www.thenational.com.pg/png-hailed-for-hosting-excellent-pageant/
SAFETY and cost of airfare and accommodation are factors that result in a low number of tourists to PNG compared to other Pacific island nations, according to newly-crowned Miss PNG Lucy Maino.
Maino, 23, from Kairuku in Central, outclassed five other woman to win the crown at the Stanley Hotel and Suites in Port Moresby on Saturday.
She was announced winner after midnight in an event which started late and was plagued by technical glitches.
During the show, Maino, who was sponsored by Paga Hill Estate, was asked why the tourism numbers were low in PNG and what should be done.
She said: “We need to be aware and educate those within our communities about how tourism can help our country.
“It starts with simple things such as social skills, and customer service. Things that will help with tourism retention.”
A princess by heritage in the Mekeo custom, Maino also bagged awards for Miss Friendship, best sarong wear, best talent and best traditionally inspired dress – a tapa strapless dress with bird-of-paradise headpiece designed by Cynthia Chapman.
Maino, a business administration graduate from the University of Hawaii, also co-captained the woman’s soccer team to this year’s Pacific Games in Samoa.
“I would like to thank God for all he has done in my life (and) I would not have made it this far if it was not for Him,” Maino told more than 400 guests, including Prime Minister James Marape.
“To our Miss Pacific Islands Leoshina Kariha the shoes you have left are humongous to fill. What you have done for PNG we ought to be proud of you.
“In the recent Pacific Games, our theme was one team one dream. With that same theme that is how I am going to represent PNG in the Miss Pacific Islands regional pageant which will be held here.”
Maino won K6,000 and will represent PNG at the regional event for the Miss Pacific Islands pageant in November.
Miss PNG Air Services Helen Ipauki was first runner up and Miss East New Britain Ellen Morgan the second runner up.
From left: Miss PNG Air Services Helen Ipauki, Miss Jack’s Madang Lavianna Leong, Miss Sanctuary and Rapopo Resorts Natasha Metta, Miss Pacific Leoshina Kariha, Miss IBS Magarita Sariman, Miss East New Britain Ellen Morgan, and Miss Pacific Islands PNG Lucy Maino performing an opening dance during the crowning night at the Stanley Hotel and Suites in Port Moresby on Saturday. n Report on Page 3. – Nationalpic by KENNEDY BANI
MISS Pacific Leoshina Kariha has called for unity among Pacific island people in the wake of a negative comment made against her at a function in Nukualofa, Tonga last weekend. She said in a statement the comment was made against her by someone in the VIP area during the crowning of the Miss Heilala (Miss Tonga) pageant last Friday. “That is something that is never nice to hear but (was) said by one individual,” Kariha said . She did not specify what was said against her but posts on social media had branded it “racist”. “This is a time to put aside our differences and unite,” Kariha said “For too long there has been a division between the sub-regions of the Pacific, which needs to stop. “We can’t negatively label an entire group because of the harmful actions of a single person. “And we can’t jump to conclusions over one post on social media. “I am more hurt by the statements of our own people throwing hateful comments at each other. “Be quick to listen and slow to anger. “We can’t let the minority dampen our spirit of Pacific Unity and spoil such an empowering platform as Miss Pacific Islands Pageant, which preserves cultures and showcases the beauty and intelligence of our women. “Now, this experience has presented us with the opportunity to use the platform to break stereotypes and boundaries among our own people. “God would never have approved of this. “We need to see the real enemy, not attack physical people. “The true issue lies in the minds and attitude of our people which needs to be addressed at a regional level and we will use the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant platform to do just that.” She was invited to be a guest at the Miss Heilala Festival. Go to this link for more: https://www.thenational.com.pg/miss-pacific-calls-for-unity-as-negative-comments-made-against-her/
