Mixed results from pageant show under criticism
THE latest twist of the result for the Miss Solomon Islands Pageant 2016 has come under heavy criticism by members of the public over the past few days.
This came following the announcement of two dissimilar results which the organisers have announced on early Sunday morning during the crowning night and the one released this week.
Results that were announced during the crowning revealed that Miss King Solomon Hotel Camilla Grossmith was the new Miss Solomons, First runner-up is Miss Solomon Islands National University’s Elizabeth Makini, Second runner-up is Miss Anolpha Shipping’s Zinna Leamana, Third runner-up is Miss Calrose Rice’s Rutina Koroa, Fourth runner-up is Miss Szetu Breweries Sara Cave and Miss POB’s Ethel Falu Alatala was the fifth runner up.
Just this week, the Pageant Director for the Coral Sea Resort & Casino Miss SI Pageant 2016 revealed another result which she said was the final position for the pageant – now the positions for the runner ups has changed.
The First runner-up is Miss SINU Elizabeth Makini, second runner-up Miss POB Falu Alatala, third runner-up Miss Anolpha Zinnia Leamana, fourth runner-up Miss Sunny Calrose Rice Ruthina Koroa, and Miss Szetu Breweries Sara Cave was placed as the fifth runner-up.
For the specific categories, Miss King Solomon Hotel Camilla Grossmith scooped the Sarong, Talent, and the Q&A onstage.
The Traditional Contemporary goes to Zinnia Leamana and other categories (not contributing to final marks) are; Social media – Miss Szetu Breweries Sara Cave, Float – Miss SINU Elizabeth Makini, Personality – Miss Sunny Calrose Rice Ruthina Koroa, and Photogenic – Miss Anolpha Zinnia Leamana.
Following the change of results, it was understood that the contestants were individually contacted this week to return their sashes.
One of the contestants also took the issue to the social media yesterday, which resulted in mixed reactions from members of the public.
“I was publicly humiliated and so were many of the other girls. We put in a lot of hard work for you trusting you but on the big night there were so many mistakes.
“This was a national event and you’ve dragged all our names through the dirt,” the contestant commented.
She added, their sponsors put in big money for this pageant and it’s a disgrace.
“We feel like we have failed our sponsors because of what the organisation has done to us,” she added.
While others are blaming the organiser, some said the judges and the MC should also be blamed – this was however denied by the Pageant Director Joyce Konofilia in her reply to the contestant.
“The results have never been changed from Saturday night. It was the announcements that were wrong.
“I had to seek another confirmation from the auditor and got confirmed that the MC skipped the second runner-up position and went straight to third runner-up, hence the error.
“So it’s not the judges’ fault, so please stop disrespecting them by calling names. That is just too much,” Ms Konofilia said.
The Director also apologised to the contestants and said they have talked about it and all the girls accepted the fact that it was a bad mistake and accepted her apology.
“We have all been affected by this hiccup and it’s unfortunate but with understanding and humility, we can all overcome this unfortunate situation,” she said.
However, despite the fact that this was clarified by the Pageant Director already, there are claims that there is biasness in the outcome of the crowning and must be closely investigated.
Solomon Star has information that might have basis to look into and is awaiting response from those that are concerned.
By RONALD TOITO’ONA
