Fiji reign in Samoa
Miss Fiji, Anne Christine Dunn, is the new Miss Pacific Islands.
She was crowned by the outgoing Miss Pacific Islands, Abigail Havora, at Tuana’imato last night at the end of the grand finale of this year’s pageant.
Taking the crown to Fiji, Ms. Dunn and her country will also host next year’s Miss Pacific Islands Pageant.
On her way to the title, the 23-year-old law graduate from the University of the South Pacific collected the Best Traditional Wear and Best Interview prizes.
“I am very grateful, blessed and honored to be crowned tonight,” she told the Weekend Observer.
“I wanted it, but I didn’t know if I could actually get it. But I did my best.
“So I just want to glorify God for guiding me and for reminding me that there is nothing impossible if you trust in him.
“And that is something I want to remind our Pacific Islands community because I feel like we are drifting away from where we started.”
As the new face of the Pacific region, Ms. Dunn is well aware the crown comes with a lot of responsibilities.
But she is optimistic.
“I am looking forward to the next journey,” she said.
“I know the crown comes with a lot of responsibilities but I am excited and looking forward to it. It might be a challenge but I will do my best to carry out the responsibilities.”
The idea that Fiji is hosting the Pageant next year makes it more exciting for the new Miss Pacific Islands.
“I am so excited to bring the crown back home. The last time we won the title was back in 2011 with Alisi Rabukawaqa
“And I am so blessed that she got to mentor me throughout the last couple of months just before coming here. So I am very happy and very excited to return back to her and say that I brought the crown back home.
“Not only for her but for the country as a whole especially as we are hosting the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant in Fiji next year.
“So I hope to see everyone in Fiji next year for the pageant.”
Ms. Dunn was born in Fiji but was raised in the United States of America.
She moved back to Fiji in 2011 and she had just graduated from law school. Her aspiration in life is to practice law in Fiji and is looking at pursuing a post-grad in law school. She loves dancing, playing basketball and volleyball.
SPECIAL PRIZES
Best Traditional Wear: Fiji
Best Sarong: American Samoa
Miss Internet: Nauru
Miss Personality: Samoa
Miss Photogenic: Miss Tonga
National Tourism Award: Miss American Samoa
Best Talent: Solomon Islands
Best Interview: Fiji
PLACINGS
4th runner up: Cook Islands
3rd runner up: Samoa
2nd runner up: Solomon Islands
1st runner up: American Samoa
WINNER: Miss Fiji, Anne Christine Dunn.