Miss Fiji contestants begin first-ever municipal council tour

The Miss Fiji Pageant has taken a new grassroots turn, with contestants embarking on a first-ever nationwide municipal council tour aimed at strengthening community engagement and amplifying advocacy for youths and market vendors.

Miss Suva Rhyelle Aisea, Miss Tavua Sera Kiawe, Miss Nausori Berenadeta Waqavanua, Miss Labasa Peggy Ravusiro, Miss Nadi Alumeci Davu, Miss Lautoka Lebaiwasa Wakawaka, and Miss Nasinu Ailava Samuels were hosted for breakfast by the Labasa Town Council at Hotel Takia yesterday before beginning their tour of the North.

Miss Fiji Pageant chairman and Nasinu Town Council chief executive officer, Felix Magnus, said the initiative marked a significant shift in how the pageant engages with communities.

“This was the first time we were taking the contestants to visit all municipal councils,” Mr Magnus said.

“Even though Ba and Savusavu Town Councils do not have queen this year, they are supporting the queen from their neighbouring councils, such as Savusavu Town Council is supporting Miss Labasa. We hope to see all queens from 13 municipal councils next year.”

He said the tour was designed not only to familiarise contestants with local governance and town operations, but also to give them meaningful interactions with market vendors.

“No one knows what a vendor whether a male, female, mother, or father goes through to bring produce for sale at the market,” he said.
“We all know the issues surrounding our youths and we want these queens to create an impact through their advocacy messages and presentation.”

Ms Aisea, the reigning Miss Hibiscus, thanked Labasa Town Council special administrator Paul Jaduram and Edwin Chand for hosting the group.

Mr Jaduram urged the contestants to take pride in representing their towns and to “embrace warmth of the people from the friendly North” and its rich culture.

After breakfast, the contestants continued their tour with a visit to Savusavu Town.

The Miss Fiji Pageant will be held from December 10–13 at the Suva Civic Centre.