The Hibiscus Carnival’s much-anticipated Fashion Parade was canceled in 1996. Event coordinator Ana Sweetman stated in a report from The Fiji Times on August 21, 1996, that the decision was due to various organizational challenges.
“We regret to have to make this decision, but unfortunately, confirmation for holding the event, as well as for sponsorship, came in too late,” Mrs. Sweetman explained. She further noted, “It would be unfair on the public to just present a fashion show for the sake of it without proper planning.”
The fashion parade had previously been a highlight of the carnival. Organizers had aimed to celebrate the carnival’s 40th anniversary that year with a special show featuring former Hibiscus queens and their children as models. “It’s a pity because this year, we wanted to celebrate the milestone with something special,” she remarked.
There were signs of healing within the carnival’s organizing committee, as publicity officer Elenoa Sikivou, who had previously raised concerns about judging inconsistencies, announced that High Court Judge Justice Daniel Fatiaki would now oversee the judging sheets. Queens’ committee chairman Arthur Hazelman had contested Sikivou’s earlier comments, arguing they placed doubt on past judges and organizers.
Former Fiji Hibiscus Association president and current Suva Chamber of Commerce vice-president Litia Koto Vakarewakobau criticized the committee’s performance at the time, questioning the absence of published audited accounts and calling for increased transparency. “Why aren’t they publishing the audited accounts?” Mrs. Vakarewakobau asked.
The committee was also criticized for failing to call or advertise public annual general meetings, which Mrs. Vakarewakobau pointed out was a common practice during her presidency. She declared that all profits from events and stalls were directed to charitable causes under her leadership.