The plug has been pulled on the National Miss Fa'afafine Pageant 2020 due to the COVID-19 global pandemic and the state of emergency [S.O.E.] in Samoa.

The Samoa Fa'afafine Association [S.F.A.] President, Alex Su'a, announced the cancellation in a statement posted on their Facebook page.

He said the annual event was not only a major advocacy platform but had a fundraising programme which captivated audiences within and outside the country with the active engagement of their development partners, Government stakeholders and private sector representatives.

"This is one of our biggest events of the year that brings our community together in solidarity to build awareness on social issues we believe in, such as social justice, human rights for all, gender equality and social inclusion and HIV/AIDS Prevention," Su'a said in a statement posted online.

"The fusion of these prominent development priorities delivered through the performing arts, entertainment and creative expression has surely made the National Fa’afafine Pageant a significant highlight of the annual Teuila Festival." 

The reigning Miss Honey Julia Solofa will retain the crown as the Miss Samoa Fa'afafine for an extended period until 2021. 

"We are with her in prayers as she endures the difficulties of the COVID-19 lockdown in New Zealand together with all our Samoan communities in foreign lands impacted by the pandemic," Su'a added.

The S.F.A. statement said they apologise for any inconvenience caused by the cancellation, especially the business community, supporters and regular audiences. 

"Let us all do our part to keep Samoa COVID-Free. We call upon our community to continue to adhere to the Ministry of Health COVID-19 key messaging, of being kind to one another and keep safe!" the statement reads.