The recent controversy surrounding the Stop Order issued by the Solomon Islands government against the head judge of the 2025 Miss Pacific Islands Pageant (MPIP) has caused widespread debate and raised questions about the appropriate role of governments in such matters. Hon. Peter Kenilorea Jnr, Member of Parliament for East Are’are has taken to social media, and provided a thorough breakdown of the situation, highlighting the unnecessary escalation of what should have been a matter for the pageant’s organizing body to resolve.
To better understand the implications of this situation, Hon. Peter Kenilorea expressed that it is worth reflecting on a historical parallel from the world of sports: the infamous “Hand of god” goal scored by Diego Maradona during the 1986 FIFA World Cup quarterfinal between Argentina and England. The goal, which was clearly a handball, was controversially allowed by referee Ali Bin Nasser. Despite the outrage from English fans and the undeniable evidence from TV replays, the host nation, Mexico, did not intervene in the matter.
Then, he elaborated on the host. Mexico, having invested heavily in hosting the tournament, could have easily given into pressure to investigate or even prosecute Bin Nasser. Yet, they did not. Why? Because the decision, however controversial, fell under the jurisdiction of FIFA, the governing body of football. It was not the place of a sovereign nation to interfere in the officiating of a match, even if it occurred on their soil.
Peter Kenilorea then wrote, this stands in clear contrast to the current Miss Pacific 2025 debacle, where the governments of Solomon Islands and Samoa have become deeply involved in a matter that should have been handled by the pageant’s organizers. The accusations surrounding the crowning of the winner and the subsequent Stop Order against the head judge have escalated into a diplomatic and legal quagmire, drawing unnecessary attention and resources from both nations.
The lesson here is clear: sovereign nations must respect the autonomy of international organizations and events hosted within their borders. Just as Mexico trusted FIFA to handle the fallout from the “Hand of god” controversy, the governments of Solomon Islands and Samoa should have allowed the MPIP organizing committee to address the allegations internally. By intervening, they have not only complicated the situation but also risked damaging the reputation of the pageant and the relationships between Pacific nations. The leader of the Independent Party elaborated.
Hon. Peter Kenilorea Jnr’s analysis highlights the need for restraint and respect for institutional boundaries. The Miss Pacific Islands Pageant is a celebration of Pacific culture and unity, and its integrity should be preserved by those directly involved in its governance. Governments, while understandably concerned, must resist the urge to overstep their roles.
As we move forward, let’s take a page from history and learn from the wisdom of nations like Mexico, who understood that some controversies are best left to the institutions designed to handle them. Only then can we ensure that events like the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant continue to thrive as symbols of regional pride and cooperation.
End///
-PKJ via Facebook (edited by iumi stori)
Thoughts? Iumi stori
