Eighteen-year-old Marie Fall, who was crowned Miss Hibiscus last night, is encouraging young people not to let their youth be a barrier to the goals they would like to achieve in life.

Fall, who was one of the youngest queen contestants, was Miss Carpenters at this year’s Vodafone Hibiscus Festival held in Suva.

“I’ve been told that I am immature and that I don’t have what it takes to stand up and voice my opinions at a public level. This crown is proof that anything is possible regardless of your experience, your education and your age.”

Her win has sealed her place at this year’s Miss Fiji pageant scheduled to be held in October; the winner of which will represent the nation at the Miss Pacific Island Pageant as Miss Fiji.