Miss Samoa, Fonoifafo McFarland-Seumanu, has left the country to compete in the Miss Pacific Islands 2019 hosted by Papua New Guinea.

The 24-year-old, who is a public health nurse by profession and a dance and music enthusiast, will be competing against other contestants representing various other Pacific islands countries and territories. 

The theme for this year’s pageant is “Pacific We Are, One Step, One Aspiration.”

The pageant will begin from the November 24-30.

Other contestants include: Miss American Samoa - Epi Fania Petelo, Miss Cook Islands NZ - Terito O Ngakura Story, Miss Fiji - Jessica Fong, Miss Marshall Islands - Billma Peter, Miss Nauru - Millenia Finch, Miss Papua New Guinea - Lucy Maino, Miss Solomon Islands - Gladys Habu, Miss Tahiti - Hereva Hoata, Miss Tonga - Yehenara Soukop, and Miss Tuvalu - Tapua Pasuna, and Miss Wallis & Futuna - Violene Blondel.

Ms. McFarland-Seumanu said she excited to be part of this year's Miss Pacific Islands Pageant representing her homeland Samoa.

“I am eager to meet each of my neighbouring Pacific sisters and getting to know each one of you! I hope throughout the pageant week, each one of us will exemplify the beauty each of our culture and countries brings that makes the Pacific Islands vibrant and beautiful," she said.

“I trust that our host country Papua New Guinea will put together a wonderful pageant for us. I look forward to experiencing the diversity of the PNG culture and learning more about your traditions and customs, as well as those of my Pacific sisters.”

The reigning Miss Pacific Islands, Leoshina Mercy Kariha is looking forward to welcoming the following Pacific Queens who have been crowned and will be in Port Moresby, PNG to compete at the 2019-2020 Miss Pacific Islands.  

“Miss Pacific Islands Pageant begins here in Port Moresby. There will be 12 beautiful young women vying for this crown. 

“This crown I have worn during the last year is worth its weight in gold. It signifies unity, pride, integrity, grace, passion and humility. 

“I will treasure what it has taught me and the joy I have felt in being an ambassador for my country and my beautiful Pacific. It has helped me grow into the person I am today and as I move into the next chapter of my journey, I just want to say Thank you.”

Some of the events will include a Miss Pacific Islands parade on the 29^th November.