Service providers from a recent international beauty pageant are raising concerns as they await payment for services rendered. Miss Universe Fiji 2024 has not yet settled its outstanding bills following the three-day event held at The Pearl South Pacific Beach Resort. One such provider, Tracey Ann Farrington, was called in at the last moment to serve as the master of ceremonies during the crowning night.
Farrington, a boutique owner and fashion designer based in Nadi, provided clothing for the ten contestants and judges. She expressed frustration that small businesses like hers are suffering due to delayed payments from larger entities like Miss Universe Fiji.
In an unsettling development, Farrington received a message from a judge regarding the pending payments. She remarked, “I don’t understand why the judge has referred me to a Gmail address to settle my dues, but she did mention she resigned due to concerns about non-payment. It should be an official address with the Miss Universe domain.”
Attempts to reach Paris Jade, the national director for Miss Universe Fiji, for comments went unanswered before publication. Similarly, the Miss Universe Organisation has not provided any responses.
Last week, Miss Universe Fiji issued an apology concerning the controversy over the crowning of the rightful winner, following Nadine Roberts’ challenge of the judging process that overlooked her as queen. The Miss Universe Organisation defended Manshika Prasad as the rightful winner.
Miss Universe Fiji acknowledged the turmoil surrounding the crown and requested the Miss Universe Global Organisation to determine who should represent Fiji in 2024. They expressed hope that Miss Universe would find another sponsor for the Fiji licensee, aiming to expand the event’s reach in the future while ensuring that only independent judges chosen by the licensee are appointed to prevent such issues from arising again. The goal is to successfully promote Fiji on a global scale and provide young Fijian women the opportunity to proudly represent their country.