The Fashion Parade, a much-anticipated event of the Hibiscus Carnival, was cancelled in 1996 due to various organizational challenges. Event coordinator Ana Sweetman expressed regret over the decision in an interview with The Fiji Times on August 21, 1996.
“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 stated. She added that it would be unfair to hold a fashion show without adequate planning.
The Fashion Parade had been a popular highlight of the carnival in previous years. This year, organizers aimed to celebrate the carnival’s 40th anniversary with a special showcase 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.
Meanwhile, internal issues within the carnival’s organizing committee seemed to be resolving. Publicity officer Elenoa Sikivou, who had previously voiced concerns regarding judging inconsistencies, announced that High Court Judge Justice Daniel Fatiaki would now supervise the judging sheets. This decision came after committee chairman Arthur Hazelman had objected to Sikivou’s earlier comments, which he felt undermined the judges and organizers of past events.
Former Fiji Hibiscus Association president and Suva Chamber of Commerce vice-president Litia Koto Vakarewakobau criticized the committee’s performance at that time. She raised questions about the absence of publicly available audited accounts and called for more transparency. “Why aren’t they publishing the audited accounts?” Mrs. Vakarewakobau questioned.
She also pointed out that the committee had failed to call or advertise public annual general meetings, a practice she noted was standard during her presidency. She emphasized that, under her leadership, all profits from events and stalls were directed to charity.