Ailava Samuels says she remains at peace despite online criticism following her selection to represent Fiji at next month’s Miss Pacific Islands Pageant.
The 19-year-old said she was focused on the journey ahead and grateful for the support she has received from her family, team and the pageant committee.
“Everybody’s entitled to their own feelings and opinions, and they’re allowed to express them freely,” Ms Samuels said.
“As a young woman, I’m not going to sit here and lie and say it’s easy.
“But with the support that I’ve gotten from my team, my family, the committee, I can say that I am good. I feel good. I’m at peace.”
She acknowledged that public reactions in Fiji can be emotionally driven but said community loyalty has helped her navigate criticism.
“We Fijians, we do and we say a lot of things out of emotion, and it’s OK.
“It’s just that the way we deliver and we try to make a point is wrong.”
Ms Samuels also shared advice she received from reigning Miss Pacific Islands, Litara Loma Leilani Ieremia-Allan of Samoa, who encouraged her to embrace loyalty as a core Pacific value.
“Because of all the support that I’m getting, the positivity that I’ve been shown from my family and my supporters, it overpowers all the negativity that I receive.
“I’m encouraged, and I’m empowered to do what’s best, and I’m honoured to be given this opportunity.”
Fiji will host the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant at Prince Charles Park in Nadi on February 13-20.
