HILARY HOSIA
The arrival of Miss Pacific Islands Moemoana Schwenke to the Marshall Islands will go down in history as the most unique and entertaining of VIP arrivals to date.
In her own words, Miss Pacific said “arriving in the Marshall Islands with a heart full of gratitude — I feel the love in my bones, fully embraced with the Iokwe Spirit.”
She was referring to the immense display of the “Iokwe Spirit” she experienced firsthand as she stepped off the Nauru Airlines flight at the Amata Kabua International Airport last Saturday, where she was met with a mob of cheers and a live band.
But the cheers did not stop at the airport. Multiple groups of children and fans spread across the road cheered her on, while some managed to share photos and danced with Miss Pacific and her entourage along the way. Her vehicle was halted multiple times so she could get out and greet well-wishers at road side. Selfies and gift-giving highlighted her motorcade from the airport.
The the climax of her welcome saga continued prior to her check-in at Marshall Islands Resort, where she was serenaded with the performance by trendy dance group Tiete Labor.
Her first visit took her to the shores of Wotje Atoll, Sunday, where she engaged with students and the local weavers and the community for church.
To start her engagement in Majuro, Moemona made courtesy visits to the Council of Irooj, Office of the President and the Nitijela. Moemoana shared stories or bwebwenato with the staff at the Alele Museum and learned about the nation’s nuclear legacy with the National Nuclear Commission. She also made appearances with the Ministry of Culture and Internal Affairs and with several sports organizations and with Majuro Mayor Ladie Jack.
She was scheduled to visit handicrafts shops, Tobolar copra processing plant, go on fishing trips and visit tourist-attractions at Eneko, Enemanit, Bokinbotin, Waan Aelon in Majel and pending weather, visit Mili or Jaluit atolls.
Monday evening she was featured on Power 103.5 FM’s power roundtable with Miss Marshall Islands Claret Chong Gum. DJ Yastamon said this was the first time ever for someone to be stopped by many fans on a motorcade in Majuro.
“This is a first for Majuro!” he exclaimed as Miss Pacific spoke about the fabulous island welcome she received in her first few days on Majuro.