Marica Tuiwainikai sponsored by Satya’s Building and Contractors is the youngest queen contestant vying for Miss Vodafone Festival of the Friendly North.

The 18-year-old head girl of Holy Family Secondary School in Labasa will advocate on excessive use of chemicals which affect marine organisms during the weeklong festival at Subrail Park in Labasa next week.

The aspiring software engineer originally from Uluibau Village in Macuata Province is the youngest of two siblings.

What was your reaction when you were approached to be a contestant?

Miss Tuiwainikai: I was excited, surprised, scared and had all sorts of thoughts in my head because this festival is like the father of all festivals in the North; But then I told myself that maybe this was just a good chance to share my views with others, meet new people and show society that youths can contribute to nation building.

What was the motivation behind entering this year`s festival?

Miss Tuiwainikai: The theme of this year`s festival, ‘healthy environment, healthy people’ motivated me to take up the challenge because these environmental issues are evident in the North. This is an opportunity to voice it out and let others know the gravity of human activities on the environment and most importantly take action in eradicating these problems.

What are you looking forward to at the festival?

Miss Tuiwainikai: I am looking forward to the challenges, adventure, experience, creativity, new faces and fun. Furthermore, I am also looking forward to voice out to the people of the North my advocacy message which is ‘excessive use of chemicals which affects marine organisms’. To also motivate youths to have courage and use this platform to share their views on how to keep a healthy environment ensuring healthy people as I am the youngest of the contestants vying for this year’s crown.

Has it ever crossed your mind while growing up that you would one day be part of a beauty pageant?

Miss Tuiwainikai: No, I never dreamt that one day I would be a contestant because I am frisky, boyish and not the lady like type but God always has special plans for everyone and I guess this is part of His plan.

Who is your greatest inspiration by far? Why?

Miss Tuiwainikai: My late paternal grandfather, Sakeo Tuiwainikai.

He was a parliamentarian and a member of the Great Council of Chiefs. He had also shaken hands with Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Charles while being employed as an administrative officer at the Lautoka Town Council. He was a humble, kind, loving, caring, and visionary and a very hardworking man and I just wish that he was still around to see me today.

What would you like to take away from this festival?

Miss Tuiwainikai: The experience, confidence and my advocacy message on excessive use of chemicals which affect marine organisms hence continue being an ambassador of the environment by upholding this message everywhere I go and not just stop at the end of the carnival. Environmental issues are realistic and we are facing the brunt of it. We cannot sit around and wait for others to advocate on our behalf, it has to start with me as a concerned citizen.

Favourites:

Food: Fried Fish with miti and cassava

Song: Hola by Joey Montana

Movie: Pirates of the Caribbean

Quote: Teamwork is a secret that makes common people achieve uncommon results

Hobbies: Socialising, singing, reading, swimming, visiting new places and playing tag rugby.

Edited by Karalaini Waqanidrola

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