By Tupou Vaipulu Jr
The Tonga Government is considering withdrawing from the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant to create a new competition led by Tonga, said the Minister for Justice and Tourism, Hon. Mo’ale Finau.
He thinks that Tonga should explore the idea of establishing an alternative platform that would better serve the region, he told a media briefing at the St. George Government building today.
“The reason why we’re thinking of withdrawing is so we can come together and discuss creating a new competition,” he said.
While this decision is not yet official, Hon. Finau said that Tonga has the potential to lead such an initiative, given its strong educational presence.
“Why can’t we create a new competition, then invite the rest of the Pacific to participate?” he said. “I think we can do it...”
This idea followed a recent investigation by the Solomon Islands government into activities of the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant judges, following allegations made regarding the pageant judging in Honiara on 8 February.
