Local Government Minister Maciu Nalumisa is set to meet with officials from the Suva City Council and the Hibiscus Committee to address concerns that emerged during the recent week-long festival.
Public frustrations intensified after Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka urged the minister’s involvement in response to issues raised, particularly an incident on the festival’s final day when strong winds caused the roofs of several stalls to blow off.
“I’ll be meeting with the Suva City Council special administrators this Wednesday to discuss all the issues at the Hibiscus Festival and will provide comments at that time,” Mr. Nalumisa stated.
During the festival’s closing, Prime Minister Rabuka emphasized the importance of prioritizing 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 expressed.
The Prime Minister also voiced concerns regarding the Hibiscus Committee’s decision to cancel a Drug Awareness march during the event. He highlighted the troubling fact that representatives from Drug World Fiji were not permitted to distribute promotional materials during the festival.
Additionally, many social media users complained about the quality of the festival’s live coverage, noting that the limited stage time and repetitive statements made it difficult for the public to adequately evaluate the contestants.