Twenty-one-year-old Bulou Buteiove celebrated a significant milestone in her life by being crowned Miss Vodafone Fiji Coral Coast Carnival 2024 last Saturday in Sigatoka Town. During the event, she acknowledged her mother as the most pivotal person in her success, dedicating the crown to her family and the vanua o Nasama in Nadroga.
In her heartfelt speech, Buteiove expressed gratitude to God for the strength and support that helped her achieve this title. “My mother has been and always will be my rock. This platform allows me to emphasize the importance of love and generosity,” she said.
The former student of Adi Cakobau School is currently pursuing a degree in primary education at the National University of Fiji and has aspirations of becoming a teacher.
At the carnival, the Chief Guest, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Viliame Gavoka, highlighted the event’s theme, “Breaking the Waves of Addiction.” He articulated the gravity of addiction’s impact on individuals and communities, comparing it to unrelenting ocean waves that can erode stability. Gavoka emphasized that overcoming this issue requires a community united in resilience and compassion.
He acknowledged the Coral Coast’s significance as a tourism hub, describing it as a jewel that attracts visitors to experience Fiji’s natural beauty and warm hospitality. “Together, we can ensure that the tides of addiction recede, leaving behind a shore of hope and renewal,” he noted, linking the festival’s positivity with the larger goal of community health and wellbeing.
In summary, Buteiove’s crowning moment is not just a personal triumph but also a reminder of the collective strength and support found within families and communities. Her aspirations to educate future generations alongside the Deputy Prime Minister’s call for addressing addiction optimistically frames the event as a beacon of hope and resilience for the future of Fiji.
Leave a comment