Miss Solomon, Elsie Polosovai, has been belatedly awarded the Best Float title during a closing ceremony at Honiara Hotel on Sunday—a recognition that was not announced during the official Miss Pacific Islands 2025 crowning night at Friendship Hall on Saturday.
The delay in announcing the award has sparked criticism against the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant (MPIP) Organising Committee, with many questioning why it wasn’t included in the official ceremony.
A member of the Miss Solomon Support Team (MSST) confirmed to Solomon Star that Miss Solomon not only received the Best Float award but was also handed the cash prize for the third runner-up position.
“It was a surprise to us. The cash prizes were not distributed during the crowning night but were instead presented later at this ceremony, where the queens also exchanged gifts,” the MSST member explained.
“During this presentation, Miss Solomon received the award—inside an envelope—alongside the other category cash prizes. Our team had expected this recognition to happen on the crowning night.”
Following the incident, the MSST member questioned the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Solomon Host about the oversight.
However, the MPIP Secretariat is reportedly still investigating the matter and has yet to provide an explanation regarding the judging process.
Another source also confirmed to Solomon Star that Miss Solomon had indeed won the Best Float award.
“Yes, I can confirm that Miss Solomon received the award,” the source stated.
The float parade took place on Friday, featuring eight contestants and their teams marching through Honiara under the scorching sun.
The parade started at KGVI Sports Stadium, moved toward Sun Valley in Central Guadalcanal, and then made its way back through the streets of Honiara, eventually concluding at SMI, Town Ground, in West Honiara.
Miss Solomon’s float stood out with a water-recycling waterfall built into the float vehicle—a creative feature that captivated the judges and ultimately secured her the win.
However, this recognition was not made public until the following day.
Miss Solomon, Elsie Polosovai, settled for the third runner-up in the overall Miss Pacific Islands 2025 pageant.
By Lachlan Shyves Eddie
Solomon Star, Honiara
