Sala Toganivalu, a 22-year-old schoolteacher, was crowned Miss Hibiscus 1991, a moment marked by both elation and sorrow. In an interview, Toganivalu described her victory as “uplifting” and a “once-in-a-lifetime” event. However, the recent passing of her grandfather, who died just a week prior, cast a pall over the celebration.
Expressing her sadness, she stated, “I’m sad that my grandfather, who I was close to, was not alive to see me crowned.” She learned of his death just 15 minutes before her arrival at the event. Despite her grief, her family urged her to fulfill her commitments, and their support helped her maintain the strength to participate.
Having missed several pre-carnival events, Toganivalu was persuaded by her family to attend engagements such as the Rotary luncheon. Initially, she did not focus on winning, but her family’s encouragement empowered her to deliver a heartfelt victory speech.
In her speech, she expressed her gratitude: “I am delighted to be standing before you as this year’s queen. I would like to thank the staff at the Fiji Trade and Investment Board, my mother and sisters, and everyone at home. I also want to thank the people of Suva for turning up — without them, there would be no carnival. I have found many good friends among my fellow contestants.”
The 1991 Hibiscus Carnival was a resounding success, raising a record total of $122,284.04 for charity, with Miss Charity, Ulamila Raikadroka, contributing $44,000. Following a week of poor weather, the final day attracted an impressive turnout of 20,000 people who filled the streets and foreshore to enjoy the festivities.
The day after her crowning, Toganivalu spent time with family at her uncle’s home in Tamavua, along with staff from the Fiji Trade and Investment Board and local artists.