Service providers associated with the recent international beauty pageant, Miss Universe Fiji 2024, are demanding payment for their services rendered during the event held at The Pearl South Pacific Beach Resort. Tracey Ann Farrington, a local boutique owner and fashion designer from Nadi, was called on short notice to serve as the master of ceremonies on the night of the crowning.
Farrington, who sponsored the clothing for the ten contestants and judges, expressed frustration as small businesses like hers struggle financially due to the lack of payment from Miss Universe Fiji. She mentioned receiving a concerning message from a judge about outstanding payments, noting, “I don’t understand why the judge has referred me to a Gmail address to settle my dues, but she did say she resigned because of non-payment concerns. It should be an address with the Miss Universe domain.”
Efforts to reach Paris Jade, the national director for Miss Universe Fiji, for comment were unsuccessful. The Miss Universe Organisation also had not responded to inquiries.
Last week, Miss Universe Fiji issued an apology regarding the controversy surrounding the rightful winner after Nadine Roberts contested the judging process that deemed her the queen. In contrast, the Miss Universe Organisation defended Manshika Prasad as the official winner of the contest.
The organizing body for Miss Universe Fiji expressed regret over the situation and requested that the Miss Universe Global Organisation determine Fiji’s representative for 2024. They hope to attract additional funding for the event licensee to enhance next year’s pageant and prevent similar issues by ensuring that independent judges are appointed by the licensee. Lux Projects Bali, the licensee, aims for the event to successfully showcase Fiji on a global stage and provide young Fijian women the privilege of representing their country.