Construction of a new South Pacific Pageant pavilion is underway in Fiji’s capital Suva as organisers prepare to host the weeklong event for the first time locally.

With less than a month remaining to the official opening of the 23rd South Pacific Pageant, organisers have started working on the extension of the Albert Park pavilion to cater for guests and audiences.

“We’re looking at hosting a bigger and better event for everyone so we’re making an extension at Albert Park to cater for everyone,” South Pacific Pageant committee secretary Aqela Cakobau said.

“This is the first time we’re having the pageant for a week and we’ve also spread out the program in which judging will take place for three nights and the crowning on the last night,” she said.

The theme “Preserving the Environment the Pacific Way” has kept the organisers assured there will be much discussed at this year’s event.

American Samoa, Cook Islands, Fiji, New Zealand, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tahiti, Tonga and Tuvalu have confirmed their participation and will have villages at the park.

“Contestants will be judged according to their presentation, deportment, talents, interviews and costumes,” said Cakobau.

Fiji will be represented by reigning 2009 Hibiscus Queen Mere Nailatikau while Samoa has named Jacinta Bourne as its representative.

Antonio Singuit will represent Papua New Guinea while Solomon Islands will be represented by Millicent Bati and Aurohia Biret from Tahiti.

The event is set for November 21 – 28 and will also feature Pacific Island art.