MISS Solomon and the first runner up in last week’s Miss Pacific contest in Papua New Guinea (PNG) says although her team could not snatch the crown, they won the hearts of Pacific islands.
Gladys Habu and her team have arrived in the country around lunchtime on Tuesday to a warm welcome from supporters and sponsors.
Following her arrival, a parade was staged from Henderson all the way down to West Honiara and concluded at Coral Sea Resort&Casino.
In a press conference after her arrival, she thanked everyone for the wonderful welcome being organised for her team.
She said despite coming second in the competition her team has won the hearts of many people who have followed and watched the weeklong competition closely until the finale.
Despite the outcome of the result, she personally expressed her gratitude to the major sponsors Coral Sea Resort & Casino, Solomon Ports and her family for all the support until her team returns.
“I would like to thank my major sponsors Coral Sea Resort and Ports Authority for sponsoring me to attend the competition in PNG,” she said.
Miss Habu also thanked supporters for backing her to raise money for the cancer unit at National Referral Hospital (NRH).
She further acknowledged Solomon Host and Miss Solomon’s team for a wonderful a great job at the recent Miss Pacific Islands contest.
She further acknowledged the Solomon Islands community in Port Moresby for supporting her and the team all the way to the final night.
Miss Habu said she was very humbled to represent the country in the recent competition.
She said such support from sponsors and supporters through such a platform should continue.
Miss Habu at the press conference specifically thanked her team for the great job they have done.
“I wish to thank Masi Pioh my chaperon, Solomon Host which headed by Jessy Konofilia and Daniel (Danzo) Kakadi for being my media person and others who were part of the trip to PNG,” she said.
Jessie Konofilia from the Host Solomon thanked all who are supporting the platform and their gold sponsors Coral Sea Resort & Casino and Ports Authority.
She also thanked Miss Solomon for her great performance.
General Manager of Coral Sea Resort & Casino Ronal Ogrady said he is so proud of Miss Solomon.
“I am very proud of you,” he said.
Mr. Ogrady said Miss Solomon, Gladys Habu has done a great job for this country.
Locals in the country and abroad have expressed their support and congratulated Miss Habu for a job well done.
Some have expressed that Miss Habu should have been the winner given her outstanding performance throughout the competition.
By LACHLAN S. EDDIE
