The independent investigation into harassment allegations that surfaced during the crowning night of the Hibiscus Carnival has been finalized and submitted to the Ministry of Local Government for evaluation.
Reports indicate that a contestant at the Hibiscus festival was inappropriately touched during the event, leading to an official police complaint being filed.
Maciu Nalumisa, the Minister responsible for Housing and Local Government, confirmed that the investigation involved interviews with all relevant individuals, including committee members and witnesses, adhering to council policies.
Nalumisa noted that the inquiry was conducted by an independent panel, which included the chair of the Suva City Council, a legal expert, an external specialist in event management and public safety, and a representative from a human rights or gender-based violence advocacy group.
He emphasized the commitment to ensuring that the investigation was fair, transparent, and conducted professionally, fully in accordance with legal and regulatory standards.
Additionally, he mentioned that a separate police investigation is still in progress, and the Ministry will fully cooperate with law enforcement as the matter develops.