The annual National Miss Fa'afafine Pageant has again been cancelled due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.

The Samoa Fa'afafine Association Incorporated’s President Alex Su'a announced the cancellation on Monday afternoon.

"We regret to advise that the annual National Miss Samoa Fa'afafine Pageant 2021 is cancelled again due to the provisions of the Samoa State of Emergency for COVID-19, travel restrictions and in respect to the precautionary measures for the overall safety and wellbeing of the general public here in Samoa and abroad," Mr Su’a said

This is the second time the event has been cancelled; it was axed last year due to the impacts of the pandemic.

"The National Miss Fa'afafine Pageant is not only a major advocacy platform but a fundraising programme for [the Samoa Fa'afafine Association] that has captivated audiences in Samoa and afar with the active engagement of our development partners, Government stakeholders and our loyal private sector supporters," the President said.

"This is one of our biggest events of the year that brings our community together in solidarity to build awareness on social issues we believe in such as social justice, human rights for all, gender equality and social inclusion and HIV/AIDS Prevention. 

“The fusion of these prominent development priorities delivered through the performing arts, entertainment and creative expressions has surely made the National Fa'afafine Pageant a significant highlight of the annual Teuila Festival."

This year’s Miss Samoa Pageant has been postponed to 2022.

The reigning Miss Samoa Fa'afafine, Honey Julia Solofa, will remain the crown holder until 2022. (Similarly, the incumbent Miss Samoa, Fonoifafo Seumanu McFarland, will also serve out an unexpectedly long period.)

"We are with her in prayers as she endures the difficulties of the COVID-19 lockdown in New Zealand together with all our Samoan communities in foreign lands impacted by the pandemic," Mr. Su’a said.

"We apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused by this cancellation in particular to the supportive business community, supporters and regular audiences. Let us all do our part to keep Samoa COVID-Free.”