By Delly Waigeno – EM TV News, Port Moresby
Beauty queens of the Pacific islands have taken on the spirit of adventure with a visit to an island called Nga Pu Toru in the Cook Islands.
Chairman of the Miss Pacific Islands, Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi, said although the Pacific is comprised of small island developing states, the region is home to unique islands and a vast area of ocean that’s significant on a larger scale.
The pageant participants also have a role in advocating for sustainable development objectives, with presentations on topics of climate change, education and technology.
The eight contestants of the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant are preparing for the Opening Night and Talent Section of the pageant this Friday and Crowning Night on Saturday.
Apart from Miss Papua New Guinea, Abigail Havora, the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant participants include Miss Solomon Islands, Deanne Enoch, Miss Samoa, Ariana Taufao, Miss Tonga, Brittne Fuimaono, Miss Fiji, Zaira Begg, Miss American Samoa, Suluga Taliau, Miss Niue, Elaine Karena and Miss Cook Islands, Felicia George.
As part of the week-long program, the contestants visited the Office of the Cook Islands Prime Minister, a sponsor for this year’s pageant.
Aligned with this year’s pageant theme, ‘Our Spirit of Adventure’, the eight Pacific beauties departed Rarotonga for a full day excursion of the ‘Nga Pu Toru’ or the three south sister islands of Mauke, Mitiaro and Atiu about 45 minutes flight away.
Purely exotic and undiscovered, coupled by the warm greetings and hospitality of the locals, it was truly an experience. A highlight was the visits to the schools, where the ladies were inspired by the excitement shown by the students through their songs and dances.
This year’s pageant is also part of the annual celebration commemorating 50 years since the Cook Islands became a self-governing nation.
The winner of the pageant will be crowned on Saturday, December 12.
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