Service providers involved in the recent Miss Universe Fiji 2024 pageant are expressing their frustration over unpaid invoices. The event, held at The Pearl South Pacific Beach Resort, has left some contract workers, like master of ceremonies Tracey Ann Farrington, waiting for compensation. Farrington, who owns a boutique in Nadi and provided attire for the contestants and judges, criticized the larger organization for leaving small businesses in a difficult position.
She reported receiving a concerning message from a judge regarding the outstanding payments and expressed confusion over being directed to a Gmail address for resolving the issue. Farrington emphasized that communication should come from an official Miss Universe email account.
Attempts to reach Paris Jade, the national director for Miss Universe Fiji, for comments went unanswered by the time of publication. The Miss Universe Organisation has also not responded.
In another controversy, Miss Universe Fiji recently issued an apology related to a dispute over the crown after Nadine Roberts questioned the fairness of the judging process that initially named Manshika Prasad as the winner. The Miss Universe Organisation has since defended Prasad’s title.
In light of the situation, Miss Universe Fiji has requested that the Miss Universe Global Organisation make a decision regarding the representation of Fiji for the upcoming year. The organizers are hopeful for new financial support to enhance future events, aiming for a more successful and well-managed pageant experience that can better showcase Fiji to a global audience.