“I AM absolutely horrified at the level at which the Miss Fiji Pageant has devolved.”
These were the words of Miss South Pacific islands (2011), Alisi Rabukawaqa, as she detailed what she described as a series of “unprofessional encounters” and “unfounded allegations” related to her involvement as a personal chaperone for Miss Fiji Dr Peggy Ravusiro.
According to Ms Rabukawaqa, her involvement began after she attended meetings connected to the pageant as part of the Suva support team (Miss Hibiscus Rhyelle Aisea’s team).
“After the pageant, Peggy reached out and the team asked me to be her chaperone,” Ms Rabukawaqa said she accepted because the team had good intentions.
However, she alleged that prior to attending an official meeting with the Miss Fiji Pageant committee, she was informed that claims had been made about her character by the committee.
These claims, she said included accusations regarding contractual agreements with the Suva City Council that she maintains did not exist, as well as assertions she was not a suitable chaperone.
She said despite the claims she turned up but “was immediately met with unfounded attacks” about her character.
“I thought the entire meeting experience was completely unprofessional.”
She said her personal support for Dr Peggy was separate from the Miss Fiji Pageant Committee and did not require its approval.
The Miss Fiji Pageant Committee has not responded to Ms Rabukawaqa’s statements.
They say they will respond today.
