Miss Bula contestant says drug prevention begins at home

Miss Relcorp (Fiji) PTE Limited, Luisa Lewatu Tuimoala, is using the Miss Bula Festival platform to promote early drug prevention through stronger family conversations and community support.

The 19-year-old is one of 10 contestants vying for the Miss Bula Festival 2026 crown.

Her advocacy platform, "Drug Prevention: Looking for the Signs with Loved Ones," encourages families to have open conversations about drug abuse before it becomes a crisis.

"I believe that drug prevention begins before the crisis. As Fijians, we have always been taught that everything begins at home, regardless of our different religions, cultures, and traditions," Ms Tuimoala said.

"We must address these issues in our homes before they become a bigger problem."

She hopes her campaign will encourage young people to make positive choices for themselves and future generations.

Her message to supporters is simple: "United we shall all succeed."

Originally from Sese, Saqani, in Cakaudrove, Ms Tuimoala shares maternal links to Viseisei, Vuda, in Ba Province.

She is studying tourism and border customs while working as a point-of-sale operator at Tappoo.

A netball player and former participant in Fiji's secondary schools fashion design competitions, Ms Tuimoala said the Miss Bula pageant was more than a beauty contest.

She said contestants were involved in community outreach and advocacy programmes in the lead-up to the crowning of the Miss Bula Festival 2026 winner.

The week-long festival begins will be held at King Charles Park in Nadi from July 28 to 25.