Local Government Minister Maciu Nalumisa is set to meet with officials from the Suva City Council and the Hibiscus Committee to address concerns stemming from the recent week-long festival. The Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka, expressed public frustration over several issues, including an incident on the final day of the festival when strong winds damaged multiple stall roofs.
“I’ll be meeting with the Suva City Council special administrators this Wednesday to discuss all the issues at the Hibiscus Festival and will comment then,” Nalumisa stated. During the festival’s closing, Rabuka emphasized the need for organizers to focus on public safety, urging all parties involved, including government agencies and municipal councils, to remain attentive to the safety and security of attendees.
Additionally, the Prime Minister condemned the Hibiscus Committee’s choice to halt a Drug Awareness march during the event. He noted the troubling decision to prevent Drug World Fiji from distributing promotional materials. Complaints also surfaced on social media regarding the live coverage quality and the limited stage time for contestants, which hampered public assessment of their performances.