It is about two months now, since the whole Miss World Fiji
2012 drama started. It is certainly quite relieving to say that it is coming to
an end now. Torika Watters, the initial winner of the Miss World Fiji 2012
competition, has handed over her crown to the competition runner up Koini
Vakaloloma. Finally, everyone is happy and things are smooth within the Miss
World Fiji family. After months of scrutiny, I am glad everything is into place
now.
Watters
will officially represent Fiji next year in Bali in the Miss World 2013.
Miss World Fiji pageant national director Andhy Blake announced this today (June 2, 2012) after the reconciliation between Miss World Fiji Organisers and the family of Watters. Waters said what is left now is for the public to support them. Watters will have a year to train for Miss World next year. Blake said the Miss World Fiji pageant will continue in 2013, with the winner representing Fiji in 2014.
Well, this does sounds like a good idea as the winner will
get ample time to prepare for the competition. Maybe the Miss World Fiji should
organise charity events and advocacy work throughout the year, once the winner
is decided. This will be a good way to work on the Miss World motto i.e. beauty
with a purpose. It will also make the Miss World Fiji competition unique, in my
opinion. It will also give them some much needed good press.
Waters while giving away her crown said she was glad that
giving up the crown
is a starting point of clearing up the controversy. She wished Vakaloloma all
the best for her journey to the Miss World 2012. Vakaloloma is scheduled to
leave for Mongolia for the pageant on July 18. Blake and a local designer,
Fumaru Fatiaki, will also go to the pageant. They will leave early August to
support Vakaloloma. Fatiaki will design costumes for Vakaloloma during the
competition.
These are evening gown, competition gown, dance of the world costume and national costume. For a national costume, he needs to get approval of the i-Taukei Board. Apart from those, Fatiaki said there are 10 other dresses that are on their way from London. He said they have approached the Ministry of Tourism for a unique national gift that will be auctioned at the end of the event to assist mental health in Fiji. Fatiaki said this is a must for all Miss World participating countries.
This will certainly be a big deal for Fiji. Fatiaki will not
only get to showcase his creativity, but also the cultures of Fiji with his
designs. Vakaloloma also has a strenuous task ahead considering the fiasco
before her crowning. At least she will have the media attention. She would have
to prove the critics wrong about Fiji. I wish her all the best in the
competition and l hope the organisers have learnt from their mistakes. I look
forward to seeing her on the big stage.
