The first ever Miss Marshall Islands to enter the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant is 22-year-old Billma Peter.
Peter has a Bachelor of Science in Health and Administration degree and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Health Administration at the University of Arizona, in United States.
She loves hiking, reading and travelling and is excited about representing her small island nation at the Miss Pacific Islands pageant in PNG in November.
Her ambition is to take care of her family, especially her younger siblings who look up to her.
Speaking at the pageant, Peter said: “The healthcare system in our country leaves a lot to be desired therefore I am studying health administration in order that I can help find solutions.”
Peter was crowned by the President of Marshall Islands, Hilda Hein, in the presence of an enthusiastic crowd including Miss Pacific Islands/ Miss PNG, Leoshina Kariha and her chaperone, Molly O’Rourke.
In extending her best wishes, Kariha said: “Congratulations to the first ever crowned Miss Marshall Islands 2019, Miss Bilma Peter!
“She hails from the atoll of Mejit and is currently attending Grand Canyon University in pursuit of a Masters in Health Administration.
“May God bless you abundantly with wisdom and guidance throughout your reign as you serve your people as the first appointed cultural ambassador.”
(Left to right: Miss PNG/Pacific Islands Leoshina Kariha, Miss Marshall Islands, Billma Peter; President of Marshall Islands Hilda Hein and Miss Nauru 2019, Miss Millenia Finch who will also attend Miss Pacific Islands Pageant in PNG in November)