Service providers for the recent Miss Universe Fiji 2024 pageant have expressed concerns over unpaid bills. The three-day event held at The Pearl South Pacific Beach Resort has left some vendors waiting for compensation. Tracey Ann Farrington, who was called on last minute to act as the master of ceremonies for the crowning night, has become particularly vocal about the situation. Farrington, a boutique owner and fashion designer based in Nadi, provided outfits for the ten contestants and judges but claims she has yet to receive payment.
Farrington shared her frustrations after receiving a message from a judge regarding the outstanding payments. “I don’t understand why the judge directed me to a Gmail address to settle my dues, especially since she mentioned resigning due to non-payment issues,” Farrington commented, emphasizing that communications should come from an official Miss Universe domain.
Attempts to reach Paris Jade, the national director for Miss Universe Fiji, for comment went unanswered. Meanwhile, the Miss Universe Organisation has also remained silent on the matter.
Last week, Miss Universe Fiji publicly apologized amid controversy over the pageant’s rightful winner. Nadine Roberts raised concerns about irregularities in the judging process, challenging the crown awarded to Manshika Prasad. The Miss Universe Organisation defended Prasad’s title, while Miss Universe Fiji expressed regret over the incident, requesting that the Miss Universe Global Organisation determine the official representative for Fiji in 2024.
Miss Universe Fiji hopes to secure future funding for the pageant to expand its reach and intends to appoint independent judges to prevent similar issues in the future, aiming to promote Fiji on a global scale and provide young Fijian women the opportunity to represent their country proudly.