Confusion continues in Fiji over who will officially represent the country at next month’s Miss Pacific Islands Pageant (MPIP), following a series of conflicting statements from the government and the country’s pageant organisers.
The uncertainty comes as the Tongan Government remains publicly silent, despite growing controversy surrounding the regional event.
Earlier on today, Wednesday 21, Fiji media reported that the Government had intervened to direct that Miss Fiji 2025, Dr Peggy Ravusiro, would represent the country at the upcoming pageant, based on comments attributed to Acting Prime Minister Filimoni Vosarogo.
However, later in the evening, the Miss Fiji Pageant Committee issued a statement asserting that the Pacific Islands Pageant Secretariat had confirmed first runner‑up Ailava Samuels as Fiji’s representative.
“In response to the statement by the Acting Prime Minister Hon. Filimoni Vosarogo, the pageant committee defers to the line minister, Minister for Local Government and Housing Hon. Maciu Nalumisa, who has instructed the committee to proceed with Miss Ailava Samuels to represent Fiji to the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant,” the statement said.
The committee added that government does not interfere in operational decisions of independent pageant organisations, stating that the comments made by Hon. Vosarogo contradicted those of Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and Minister Maciu Katamotu Nalumisa, who had earlier presented a cabinet paper on the matter.
Dispute remains unsettled
The disagreement stems from events following the Miss Fiji 2025 coronation, when newly crowned titleholder Dr Peggy Ravusiro declined to sign a contract with the Miss Fiji Secretariat, citing concerns about contractual terms and her treatment by organisers.
With the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant scheduled to be hosted by Fiji in Nadi next month, and registration deadlines already closed, the Miss Fiji Secretariat appointed Samuels as Fiji’s representative to ensure participation.
Miss Fiji Pageant Director Ana Tuiketei said the decision followed internal governance and contractual processes. Ravusiro later raised public concerns about the handling of the contract and her personal safety — claims the Secretariat has denied, stating no formal grievance had been received.
Although Ravusiro has publicly wished Samuels well, the contradictory official statements and unresolved contractual issues have left the Fiji situation unsettled, with further developments still possible.
Tonga remains silent
By contrast, the Tongan Government has remained silent despite growing public calls to address concerns linked to the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant 2025, particularly from supporters of Miss Heilala 2024, Rachael Guttenbeil.
The calls follow allegations amid the announcement of the results that the pageant’s chief judge, Leiataualesa Jerry Brunt, interfered with the scoring process, which they believe affected the outcome that saw Samoa crowned the winner. Mr Brunt denied the allegations, and the MPIP organising committee later cleared him of wrongdoing.
Tongan supporters have criticised the decision to send this year’s Miss Heilala to the regional contest next month, arguing that unresolved concerns from the 2025 pageant should first have been addressed.
Despite sustained discussion on social media and appeals for official clarification, the Tongan Government has not issued any public response.
The Minister of Tourism has been previously contacted for comment.
Regional scrutiny continues
The Miss Solomon Islands Pageant has confirmed it will not participate in this year’s MPIP, citing unresolved issues relating to the disputed 2025 result.
The committee said ongoing concerns about eroded trust and a lack of decisive action by the regional board left it with no option but to withdraw from the Fiji‑hosted event.
While Fiji’s authorities and pageant organisers issue competing statements, and Tonga maintains official silence, the pageant — traditionally promoted as a celebration of Pacific culture and unity — remains under growing pressure to restore public confidence across the region.
