Custom Queen contest fascinates Malaita mini trade show

Miss Malaita 2006...Winner of the Custom Queen Contest at the Malaita Mini Trade Show Ms Tracy Donato Okai of Maoro CHS (Pic by Solomon Star).

The inclusion of a “Custom Queen Contest” at this year’s Malaita Mini-Trade Show in Auki has been dubbed as the greatest achievement for women in Malaita province.

The weeklong show drew thousands of people around Auki including business houses, shell money makers, food producers and agricultural organizations to showcase their activities and products.

In a society where women status are least important, the inclusion of the queen contest draws a lot of attention and could be one of the province’s major tourism attractions in future.

Contestants were dressed in various Malaita costumes including the popular shell money decorations and were given chances to show their public speaking ability in front of thousands of people.

This year’s winner, a Form I Maoro Community High School student, Ms Tracy Donato Okai who competed as Miss Gwata’a of Langa Langa was crowned Miss Malaita 2006.

Tracy won a cash prize of $400.

The second runner up was Lucia Kwalea who contested as Miss Solomon Airlines, Tourism and Environment ($300) and the third Susan Lamani who contested as Miss Aligegeo ($200).

“These young girls are very talented and shows that women must be recognized for their role in our society,” said a show official George Eric.

Mr Eric said the Queen Contest was successful and there a plans to make it an annual event for the province.

“There is a huge potential for further improvement and this could be a big attraction for the province’s tourism industry,” he said.

The event also included a music challenge and sports activities including soccer, rugby, netball, canoe racing and tug-of-war.

Minister for Mines and Energy, Hon Toswell Kaua who officiates at the Malaita Second Appointed Day officially closed the show on Tuesday.

Source: Government Communications Unit