By Amanda Rimur, EMTV Cadet Journalist- student
Miss Papua New Guinea Leoshina Mercy Kariha was crowned the Miss Pacific Islands 2018 at the Atele Indoor Stadium in Tonga yesterday (30 November, 2018) evening.
This is the second win for the country with Abigale Havora winning the crown in 2015.
Miss Kariha was the crowds favourite and the youngest of the contestants.
Leoshina was awarded best talent, best interview along with other special awards that included Miss Tourism and Miss Personality.
Her prizes were presented to her during an Island Ball, the final event of a two-night pageant.
The first runner up was Miss Cook Island, Lydia Simonis, second runner-up is Miss Samoa and third runner-up was Miss Tuvalu Emelipelesa Panapa.
Other special awards like the Best Sarong Traditional Inspired Wear went to Miss Samoa Sonia Piva while the Miss Photogenic and Miss Internet was won by Miss Cook Islands.
Meanwhile Consolation prizes were awarded to Miss Tonga and Miss American Samoa.
Leoshina who is a current student at Divine Word University in Madang, is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts under PNG Studies and International Relations. She aims to become a diplomat or a social worker.
Young Leoshina is also passionate about working with youth and empowering them through education.
