‘Online hate didn’t break her’ — Proud mum tells

Amid the flashing lights and cheers at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa on Denarau last Saturday, one mother stood quietly in the crowd, overwhelmed with pride.

Susana Samuels watched as her daughter, Ailava Samuels, was crowned Miss Pacific Islands 2026 — a moment that marked not just a pageant victory, but a journey shaped by faith, criticism and resilience.

“She has surprised all of us,” Ms Samuels said.

“So happy, so proud of her, knowing our journey to get here. We are so grateful to God for everything. We watched God’s hand at work throughout our journey.

“When one door closed, He opened another, and we’re just so happy to be here today.”

She said the outcome was especially meaningful after weeks of intense preparation and online criticism surrounding the selection process.

“It affected my family and me, but it brought us closer. We took her home and kept reminding her that every hateful comment does not reflect who she is. We told her to respect the person writing it and to hold on to God’s word.”

Ms Samuels said the experience strengthened her daughter’s resolve.

“That gave her the strength to keep going and to work harder.”

Support poured in from across Fiji and the Pacific, offering encouragement during difficult moments.

“We were sleepless with messages from people we didn’t even know — from Papua New Guinea and other Pacific countries — showing us so much love leading up to the pageant.”

For now, she said, the family simply wants to return home and reconnect with loved ones.

“We want to go back to our family because we miss them.”

Looking ahead, Ms Samuels hopes her daughter’s experience will encourage others facing online bullying.

“I believe that what you go through is about how you react to it and how you let it affect you," Ms Samuels said.

“We’re excited about what’s in store. She has made many good friends here, new sisters from across the Pacific. She is excited to learn more from other Pacific Island countries and to continue advocating for a message she is passionate about.

“I am so proud of her. I’ve watched her grow into a strong, resilient young woman, something I would not have expected at this age. She has surprised us all.”