PUBLIC reaction to the removal of the Miss Solomon Islands title from Gladys Habu over the weekend went out of hand on social media.
It resulted in personal attacks and hatred against the Miss Solomon Island Pageant (MSIP) committee, who made the decision.
The MSIP committee stripped the title off Habu on claims she’s been using it to secure personal commercial contracts and that she is no longer cooperating with MSIP.
Habu flatly denied the claims.
She insisted that all her engagements as Miss Solomon Islands were conducted in good faith and trust.
She added she was never given the opportunity to meet or discuss with the Pageant Committee issues of concern.
The reactions that followed these exchanges went through the roof.
Mostly, it was from those who viewed the MSIP decision as unfair and done out of jealousy.
It was not unusual for people to react that way.
After all, Habu, like those before her, was a well-loved queen.
She is a highly intelligent young woman who has won many hearts and minds since she got the title in 2019.
So the widespread support she got was expected.
These well-intended show of support however, were overshadowed by the amount of attacks and abuse spewed on the public forums by many of the commentators.
Personal attacks and abuse should never be part of any debate or discussions on issues of public interests.
We also believe this matter could have been better handled by the MSIP committee.
We’ve noted that there’s no face-face consultation between the MSIP and Habu before the decision to remove the title was made.
Had this been done, the outcome would be different.
Be that as it may, it would be good to see the two parties coming together and settle their differences.
Even if MSIP stands by its decision and Habu accepting to move on, the importance of reconciliation cannot be further stated.
This must be done so that everyone could look forward to the next event when the COVID-19 pandemic is over.
Sad as it may, the matter provides lessons that organisers should learn from for the good of future events.
