LOSING her dad mysteriously at the age of 11 was not an easy phase of life for Miss Friendly North Naima Shazmeen and as she was crowned on Saturday night, she shed tears of joy as sweet memories of the late policeman unfolded.
During an interview yesterday, she spoke bravely about what she experienced and how her dad disappeared in 2007 in the waters of Lomaiviti.
“This crown of victory is also for my dad. I just thought of him and how we used to spend good times together while in Levuka where he was working as a policeman,” the 23-year-old intern pharmacist said.
“My dad travelled to Buresala to drop off his superiors and later went on a fishing trip and never returned until today.
“We don’t know where he died or how he died and we have not heard anything again about his disappearance and I miss him each day.”
The Labasa Hospital employee described her participation in the Vodafone Festival of the Friendly North as an empowering and one that has broadened her knowledge about important issues.
“I used to see the Fiji Sugar Corporation mill all the time while growing up in Labasa but didn’t really understand how it worked and it’s importance to the nation,” Ms Shameen said.
“Now I know more about it and appreciate the input by growers and the FSC team after I learnt a few things during our visit to the mill.”
Ms Shameen who will represent Labasa in the Miss Fiji Pageant is positive about her involvement and will also promote the Friendly North spirit.
