Pacific pageant 2017

Dewan Chand, Suva

The Pacific Pageant 2017 with the theme: ‘Climate Action to Sustain Our Islands, came to an end on a high note at Prince Charles Park, Nadi.

Amidst electrifying euphoric atmosphere Miss American Samoa Matauaina To’omalatai was declared Miss Pacific 2017.

She had amassed other smaller prizes before being given the most coveted prize of all, the Miss Pacific Crown. Former Miss Pacific Anne Dunn placed the crown on the new Miss Pacific’s head and there was so much warmth and affection between the two. The other contestants, teary-eyed and looking jubilant, congratulated Miss American Samoa with hugs and kisses.

It was such a beautiful moment to see the camaraderie of Pacific beauties on stage. They all stood together to showcase the Pacific power on climate change for the survival of their respective island nations.

The week’s activities brought to the forefront raw aspects of the Pacific cultures and traditions. Pacific music, art and craft, head gear, traditional dresses, body decorations and their diverse appearances.

All these made for the rich Pacific communities which are vulnerable to the rising ocean levels and the devastating effects of these on their homelands.

Thus these beauty contestants wanted the world to hear their concerns and act.

I have no doubt that the Pacific Pageant 2017 was a rewarding experience for the contestants and the organisers. These empowered women will play a vital role in future for their respective countries.

I wish Miss American Samoa every success during her reign as the Pacific Ambassador. I am sure she has the beauty, intellectual capacity, command of language and the experience to do just that.

Dump fire

Wise Muavono, Lautoka

What steps have been taken by the Lautoka City Council to prevent future fires at the Vunato rubbish dump? What awareness on preventative measures have the council’s health department undertaken regarding inhalation of the smoke that blanketed Lautoka?

Loud preachers

Margaret Davon, Sigatoka

Why do the talatalas or preachers of some churches have to have very large speakers facing away from their church to annoy residents who have their own beliefs and do not want to hear the preacher screaming into a microphone. 

At Maleqereqere (Sigatoka) the church in front of Pacific Green can be heard at my residence, a fair distance away.  It is very annoying not only on Sundays but Saturdays and during the week sometimes.

I pity the people who live closer than myself because they would not be able to have a peaceful Sunday to ponder their beliefs.

Please talatala either take away the speakers or turn the volume down please. Where are our environmental people because this is not the only church doing this!

United parties

Amenatave Yaconisau, Delainavesi

The evaporation of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the re-appearance of its candidates in the SODELPA camp shows the loss of confidence in the party to do it alone.

Their policies may be reinforcing, but I think there will be more contradiction where they can’t preserve their traditions. They can’t trade-off in areas of conflicting preferences. Everything has a risk.

Ingredients of a leader

Christopher Griffin, Perth, West Australia

A leader must have a following. Real education opens minds and discourse.

Ipso facto: no following = no leadership.  Closed minds, mouths, and ears = no education.

Feedback:  jyotip@fijisun.com.fj