Miss Pacific Island

Social media was on fire regarding a racist comment hurled at Kariha last week.

In a statement sent this morning, Kariha said: “Yes, a comment by one individual in the VIP area (which refers to the whole floor area of the stadium in Tonga, as opposed to the side bleacher seating) was made - and that is something that is never nice to hear but has been said by one individual.

“Please also do not confuse what is going around on social media regarding the Miss Heilala (Miss Tonga) and me as Miss Pacific Islands.

Opposition Leader Don Polye said in a media statement that Havora’s victory had raised the name of the country and the PNG flag to fly high.

As the alternative Prime Minister, Polye said Havora had made the country proud at the pageant.

“She has been crowned as the toast of the Miss Pacific Island pageant and that she has raised among others our flag to fly high in the Pacific Ocean,” said an elated Polye.

He said she had achieved a victory for the country when claiming the title and had also created a record for PNG.