The Solomon Islands government said the stop order issued for Samoan lawyer and chief judge Leiataualesa Jerry Brunt was to assist in an inquiry on alleged fraudulent activities during the Miss Pacific Islands. 

In a statement issued on Wednesday night, the Solomon Islands government said the Minister of Home Affairs instructed the Immigration Division to impose the stop notice on all judges of the pageant on Saturday 9 February. 

This was a result of several complaints and allegations of fraud before the determination of Miss Samoa as the new Miss Pacific. 

But before the stop order could be imposed two judges from the panel left the country leaving the head judge and lawyer, Leiataualesa and a Ni Vanuatu representative. 

“The allegations were deemed serious against the relevant laws of Solomon Islands and as a result, all judges of the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant ("MPIP") were restricted from departing the Solomon Islands until the issue was resolved,” the statement reads. 

“As the main sponsor of this regional event, the Government of Solomon Islands must be satisfied that such events were not marred by allegations of fraud and that the results were credible and obtained through transparent processes.” 

A stop notice was subsequently issued for all the judges officiating in the beauty pageant under section 89(1)(iv) of the Immigration Act 2012.

Solomon Islands government said the stop notice was necessary to ensure all judges were present to provide information or assistance in the investigation to resolve the issue of alleged fraud. 

All judges including the scrutineers and organisers were asked to provide statements. 

The government added the stop notice was withdrawn on Wednesday afternoon and those affected were allowed to leave while the investigation continued. 

The Miss Pacific Islands Pageant Board for the first time since the controversy surfaced issued a statement regretting the distress caused by the recent dispute regarding the results. 

The board said it was unfortunate these allegations escalated to the extent of subjecting contestants to degrading treatment. 

It also referenced threats against the lives of certain judges, thereby detrimentally impacting the camaraderie and ethos of the pageant. 

“The Miss Pacific Islands Pageant was established with the noble aim of uniting young women from the Pacific region to promote cultural exchange, friendship, and a unified voice for positive transformation. 

“Despite facing recent adversities, these resilient young Pacific women have managed to cultivate genuine friendships, embodying the fundamental values that lie at the heart of the pageant.”

The board extended its congratulations to Miss Pacific Islands, Litara Ieremia Allan and wished her success during her reign.