The recent incident involving an amusement ride at the start of the 2024 Miss Hibiscus Festival has sparked significant safety concerns about public festivals. While the festival is a time for families and friends to gather and celebrate, the potential risks associated with overlooked safety measures cannot be ignored.
The Miss Hibiscus Festival is a prominent event in Fiji, known for its culinary offerings, lively music, and social engagement. The festive atmosphere is enhanced by the enticing smells of popcorn, barbecued foods, and a variety of cuisines, particularly iTaukei dishes, attracting people of all ages.
After a five-year hiatus, the return of the Miss Hibiscus Festival was meant to be a joyful occasion, yet the recent ride mishap serves as a reminder of the critical need for stringent safety protocols in amusement ride operation. Many of these rides have been in use for decades; however, they are often simply refurbished and put into service without adequate safety inspections, posing serious dangers.
Fiji has experienced its fair share of minor festival incidents over the years, which should not be dismissed as mere statistics. A tragic Ferris wheel accident in Suva last June, which led to the death of a 21-year-old woman and serious injuries to two others, underscored the urgent necessity for enhanced safety measures. In North America, over 1,197 amusement ride accidents occur in a year, despite millions enjoying these attractions. This raises crucial questions about our preparedness in Fiji to effectively respond to such emergencies.
As attendees enjoy the excitement of the festival, safety cannot be overlooked. Families should feel free to engage in thrilling rides without fearing that a day of fun could turn into a nightmare. The festival committee’s promise that all rides will be carefully checked and certified needs to be reinforced with comprehensive and transparent safety validations, especially after any incident.
The Hibiscus Festival committee wisely decided to stop the operation of the problematic ride, but this should be viewed as just a temporary measure. The Ministry of Industrial Relations’ Occupational Health and Safety Department must prioritize overall safety, ensure that ride operators are properly certified, and have medical personnel on-site at all times. Creating safety zones with softer ground surfaces, as opposed to hard pavements, could significantly lower the risks associated with amusement rides. Additionally, having an effective emergency response plan is crucial.
As the festival continues over the next four days, the focus should be on enjoyment. Attendees should have the opportunity to explore, savor delicious foods, and create joyful memories without the fear of injury or loss. Organizers must actively ensure safety and security and take proactive measures to bolster public confidence.
Moreover, while enjoying the Miss Hibiscus Festival 2024, it is important to remain conscious of the surrounding environment. The ongoing beautification projects in Suva must not be compromised by littering or vandalism. It is essential to keep Suva clean.
Opetaia Ravai, the committee chairman, emphasized the collective goal of fostering positive and secure memories. We should take this incident as a wake-up call and embrace the festival while prioritizing our safety.