Local Government Minister Maciu Nalumisa is scheduled to meet with officials from the Suva City Council and the Hibiscus Committee to address various issues related to the recent week-long festival. Public frustrations escalated when Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka called for the minister’s involvement, particularly after strong winds damaged several stalls on the festival’s final day.
“I’ll be meeting with the Suva City Council special administrators this Wednesday to discuss all the issues at the Hibiscus Festival and will comment then,” stated Mr. Nalumisa.
During the festival’s closing, Mr. Rabuka urged organizers to prioritize public safety. “I call on everyone involved, especially government agencies, municipal councils, and business operators, to be vigilant about the safety and security of the public,” he emphasized.
The Prime Minister also expressed concern regarding the Hibiscus Committee’s decision to cancel a Drug Awareness march during the event. He noted the troubling aspect of Drug World Fiji being prevented from distributing promotional materials and banners.
Additionally, many individuals took to social media to voice their dissatisfaction with the quality of live coverage, highlighting that the limited stage time and repetitive statements made by contestants hindered the public’s ability to assess their performances effectively.