Service providers involved in a recent international beauty pageant are raising concerns over outstanding payments owed to them. Miss Universe Fiji 2024 has yet to fulfill its financial obligations for services contracted during the three-day event held at The Pearl South Pacific Beach Resort.
Tracey Ann Farrington, a boutique owner and fashion designer from Nadi, was called in at the last minute to act as the master of ceremonies during the crowning event. She also sponsored outfits for the ten contestants and judges. Farrington expressed frustration, stating that smaller businesses like hers are suffering due to the delays in payment from larger entities such as Miss Universe Fiji.
Farrington mentioned receiving a troubling message from a judge regarding the unpaid dues and questioned why she was directed to settle the matter via a Gmail address instead of an official Miss Universe domain. The judge also indicated that she resigned because of concerns over non-payment.
Attempts to reach Paris Jade, the national director for Miss Universe Fiji, for comment were unsuccessful prior to publication. The Miss Universe Organisation has also not provided a response.
Last week, Miss Universe Fiji issued an apology regarding the controversy over the rightful winner, after Nadine Roberts contested the judging process that initially declared her not the winner. The Miss Universe Organisation has since supported Manshika Prasad as the contest winner.
Miss Universe Fiji has expressed remorse for the events surrounding the crown dispute and has requested guidance from the Miss Universe Global Organisation on who should represent Fiji in 2024. The organization hopes to attract new funding to expand the pageant in the future while emphasizing the need for independent judges to prevent similar issues moving forward.