The recent incident involving an amusement ride at the opening of the 2024 Miss Hibiscus Festival has sparked serious concerns regarding safety at public events. While the festival serves as a joyous gathering for families and friends, the risk of danger becomes significant when safety protocols are not strictly adhered to.
The Miss Hibiscus Festival is a prominent event in Fiji, celebrated for its delicious food, lively music, and strong community connections. The enticing scents of popcorn, barbecued meats, and a diversity of cuisines, particularly iTaukei dishes, attract people of all ages and backgrounds.
After a five-year hiatus, the return of the festival is a reason for excitement, yet it is critical that this joy is not marred by safety lapses. The incident on Sunday underlines the necessity for strict safety measures when operating amusement rides.
Many of these attractions have been in operation for many years. They are often taken out of storage, repainted, and put into use without the proper inspections, which poses significant risks. Such negligence can lead to tragic consequences.
Fiji has experienced its share of minor festival accidents over the years, but these cannot merely be viewed as statistics. The tragic accident in June, which resulted in the death of a 21-year-old woman and injuries to two others due to a Ferris wheel malfunction in Suva, highlights the urgent need for enhanced safety standards. In North America, there were over 1,197 incidents involving amusement rides within a year, despite millions enjoying them. This raises questions about how prepared Fiji is to handle similar emergencies.
While the Hibiscus Festival is a time for enjoyment and family bonding, safety must remain a priority. Visitors seek thrilling rides for the excitement they bring, and they deserve to do so in a safe environment. Parents should not have to worry that a fun day could turn into a traumatic event for their children. The festival committee’s assurance of certified and inspected rides should not be taken lightly; instead, comprehensive and transparent safety checks are essential, especially in the aftermath of any incidents.
While the Hibiscus Festival committee made the appropriate decision to halt the problematic ride, this response should not be temporary or insufficient.
The Ministry of Industrial Relations’ OHS Department must emphasize safety by ensuring that ride operators are trained and that medical personnel are present at all times. Creating safety zones with softer surfaces rather than hard pavements can significantly mitigate risks associated with these attractions. Additionally, having a well-defined emergency response plan is crucial.
As the festival continues over the next four days, the enjoyment of attendees should remain the focus. People should be able to indulge in delicious foods and create happy memories without the fear of injury or theft. Organizers must take responsibility for ensuring safety and security at all times and work proactively to restore public confidence.
Furthermore, while celebrating the Miss Hibiscus Festival 2024, attendees should also consider environmental sustainability. Ongoing beautification efforts in Suva should be respected, and littering or vandalism should be avoided to keep the area clean.
Opetaia Ravai, the committee chairman, emphasized that the collective aim is to foster positive and secure memories. It is vital to heed this call to action and fully enjoy the Hibiscus Festival while prioritizing safety.