Ailava Samuels, the first runner-up of Miss Fiji 2025 and Miss Nasinu, has been officially appointed to represent Fiji in the upcoming Miss Pacific Islands 2026 pageant in Nadi. This decision was made after the Miss Pacific Islands registrations closed last week, and the need to adhere to strict participation timelines. The Miss Fiji Pageant Director, Ana Tuiketei, confirmed that the appointment was made after an extensive internal governance process, contractual reviews, and discussions with the Miss Fiji 2025 title holder, Dr. Peggy Ravusiro. Despite these efforts, Dr. Ravusiro formally declined to enter into a contractual obligation with the Miss Fiji Secretariat.
Following pageant protocol, the Miss Fiji Committee approached the first runner-up, Ailava Samuels, and offered her the standard participation contract. Samuels formally accepted the role last Thursday, and has since entered into the same contractual obligations initially offered to the title holder. The Miss Fiji Pageant Committee has already initiated a comprehensive preparation schedule for Samuels as she prepares for the regional competition.
Tuiketei expressed confidence in Samuels' ability to carry the national flag with pride, respect Pacific cultures, and promote Fiji on the regional stage. Samuels, in her own words, expressed her readiness to serve as a leader and ambassador, emphasizing the importance of preparation and responsibility in pageantry. She learned the value of being prepared from her participation in the Miss Fiji Pageant, and is now mentally ready and fully prepared to work alongside the Miss Fiji Pageant team.
The Miss Pacific Islands 2026 pageant will take place from the 12th to the 14th of next month, and the public is encouraged to rally behind Fiji's representative. With her dedication and preparation, Samuels is poised to make a strong impact on the regional stage.
