The tall and elegant beauty from Ba, Miss Northern Civil Service Alitia Kautoga, was crowned Miss Friendly North on Saturday night at the Vodafone Festival of the Friendly North in Labasa.

The school teacher could not hold back her emotions as her name was announced.

Ms Kautoga had been the crowd favourite from the very first day and enjoyed the warm reception given to her every time she was on stage.

“Firstly, I thank God, it is His will that has allowed me to win. I also thank my mother who made the trip from Ba to be my side,” she said.

“It has been a learning experience. To all my sisters who took part in this festival, we are all winners. It takes courage to come up on stage and advocate in what we believe.”

Ms Kautoga also indicated that she would start a project to ensure her advocacy takes shape.

Miss Labasa Hospital Shweta Chand was first runner-up while Miss Labasa Town Council Unaisi Dikau the second runner-up.

Miss Fiji Sugar Corporation Lati­leta Waqace was Miss Charity hav­ing raised more than $20,000.

It was announced that the Festival of the Friendly North had raised $253,148 as gross taking with the charity chest providing $60,138.

The committee also announced that Ms Kautoga and last year’s winner Naima Shazmeen would represent Labasa in the Miss Fiji pageant this year.

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

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