The Miss Papua New Guinea 2019 Lucy Maino has been released from her duties by The Miss Pacific Islands Pageant PNG (MPIP PNG) Committee.
This follows a meeting between the Committee and Miss Maino during which time an amicable decision was reached.
“After discussions with Miss Maino last week, MPIP PNG now formally advises that the reign of the 2019 crowned Miss Papua New Guinea had come to an end and Miss Maino has been released with immediate effect, to focus on her future goals as a private citizen and is no longer the holder of the Miss PNG/Papua New Guinea title,” said MPIP PNG Chairperson Mrs. Molly O’Rourke.
Mrs. O’Rourke acknowledged Miss Maino’s contribution to the MPIP PNG platform during 2019-2020 despite challenges, especially with Covid-19, the subsequent closure of borders, and an economic downturn, not only in PNG but around the region.
“We could not hold a Pageant in 2020 which meant Miss Maino had to continue her reign as Miss Papua New Guinea for a longer period than would have been normal.
“For that, we are very grateful.”
The MPIP PNG is focused on developing young women holistically, ensuring that they grow in terms of academia, social consciousness, personal development, and exposure to a bigger brighter world with awareness of issues facing PNG and the region.
“Our core purpose is empowerment of women. We are a unique pageant style platform that promotes cultural heritage, traditional values and sharing through tourism about our country and people. MPIP PNG promotes the virtues of confidence, self-worth, integrity, and community service with a parallel focus on education – through our scholarship fund,” Mrs O’Rourke said
“The legacy of MPIP PNG are the amazing young women ambassadors that have come through the platform – now doctors, nurses, lawyers, scientists, highly educated Doctorate and Master’s degree holders, young professionals that are active and vocal in their own circles of influence. Also, there are hundreds of young women scholarship recipients all over the country in all fields of study at the provincial level right to the top tertiary institutions.
“Since 2012, the Pageant has spent a total of K1.03 million to assist over 400 young women to complete their education in institutions throughout PNG.
“We crown a young woman as Miss Papua New Guinea annually to be a representative of modern Papua New Guinea, and who can share the values of Melanesia and the spirit of Papua New Guinea in the Pacific region. This young woman has been mentored through our program to be confident in all aspects and be her best self, regardless of background and circumstance.”
Regrettably, during the last year, the Crowning and other Pageant activities have been deferred due to the pandemic.
Mrs. O’Rourke added they abide by all restrictions being imposed and are supportive of all measures issued by the PNG Government and the Pandemic Controller to curb Covid-19’s impact on our people and our economic and social development.
“We support the introduction of a vaccine as a strong means to ending the Covid-19 pandemic as the MPIP PNG Committee has a dual duty of care, not just to Miss Papua New Guinea but also to the people of PNG.
“We believe in building partnerships and we look forward to continuing our work this year. To those that have supported the work of MPIP PNG, our Sponsors, Stakeholders, and the public, we are very appreciative of your understanding and continued support.
“We would like to encourage the public to remember good health and hygiene practices in these Covid-19 times, that we may see these challenging times through successfully.”
Please wear a mask, stay at home, wash hands with soap regularly, drink lots of water and eat healthy local vegetables and fruits; together we can beat Covid-19.
