Service providers associated with a recent international beauty pageant are expressing their frustration over unpaid bills. Miss Universe Fiji 2024 has yet to clear its financial obligations for services rendered during the three-day event held at The Pearl South Pacific Beach Resort. Tracey Ann Farrington, a local boutique owner and fashion designer from Nadi, was approached last minute to serve as the master of ceremonies for the crowning night.
Farrington provided clothing for the ten contestants as well as the judges, but feels that her small business, like many others, is suffering due to the failure of larger organizations like Miss Universe Fiji to make payments. She shared her concern after receiving a troubling message from a judge regarding the outstanding payments.
“I don’t understand why the judge has referred me to a Gmail address to settle my dues, but she did mention resigning due to non-payment concerns,” Farrington stated. “It should be an address associated with the Miss Universe domain.”
Attempts to reach Paris Jade, the national director for Miss Universe Fiji, for comment went unanswered when this article was published. The Miss Universe Organisation has also not responded to inquiries.
Last week, Miss Universe Fiji issued an apology regarding confusion surrounding the rightful winner, following a challenge from Nadine Roberts concerning irregularities in the judging process that ultimately overlooked her. The Miss Universe Organisation has defended Manshika Prasad as the official winner of the contest.
In light of the controversy, Miss Universe Fiji has requested guidance from the Miss Universe Global Organisation on who should represent Fiji in 2024. The organization expressed hopes of securing another sponsor for the Miss Universe Fiji license, aiming to enhance the event and avoid similar issues in the future while promoting Fiji to a global audience.