Service providers from a recent international beauty pageant are raising alarms over unpaid bills. Miss Universe Fiji 2024 has yet to fulfill its financial obligations to those it contracted for services during the three-day event held at The Pearl South Pacific Beach Resort.
Tracey Ann Farrington, a Nadi-based boutique owner and fashion designer, found herself in charge as the master of ceremonies on the crowning night after being called last minute. She generously sponsored the outfits for the ten contestants and judges. Farrington expressed frustration over the delays in payment from Miss Universe Fiji, highlighting the struggles faced by small businesses like hers when dealing with larger entities that have not settled their accounts.
In an unsettling turn of events, Farrington received a message from a judge regarding the outstanding payments. She was perplexed to be directed to a Gmail address for her dues rather than a formal corporate email, mentioning that the judge resigned due to concerns about non-payment.
Attempts to reach Paris Jade, the national director for Miss Universe Fiji, for comment went unanswered prior to publication. Furthermore, the Miss Universe Organisation has also not replied to inquiries.
Last week, Miss Universe Fiji issued an apology for the confusion surrounding the rightful winner after Nadine Roberts contested the judging process that overlooked her as the titleholder. However, the Miss Universe Organisation stood by Manshika Prasad as the legitimate winner.
In their apology for the crown dispute, Miss Universe Fiji requested that the Miss Universe Global Organisation decide on their representative for 2024. They expressed hopes for future funding to enhance the event and for the appointment of independent judges to prevent such controversies, aiming to promote Fiji on a global stage and provide young Fijian women the opportunity to represent their country proudly.