Service providers connected to a recent international beauty pageant are raising concerns over unpaid bills. Miss Universe Fiji 2024 has yet to fulfill its financial obligations to those it contracted during the three-day event at The Pearl South Pacific Beach Resort. Among those affected is Tracey Ann Farrington, a Nadi-based boutique owner and fashion designer, who was called upon at the last minute to serve as master of ceremonies on the crowning night.
Farrington, who sponsored the attire for the ten contestants and judges, expressed frustration that small businesses like hers are struggling due to delays in payment from larger clients like Miss Universe Fiji. She shared an unsettling interaction with a judge regarding outstanding payments, noting that she was referred to a Gmail address for settlement. “I don’t understand why the judge has referred me to a gmail address to settle my dues, but she did say she resigned because of non-payment concerns,” Farrington said. She indicated that a Miss Universe domain email would have been more appropriate for such communications.
Attempts to contact Paris Jade, the national director for Miss Universe Fiji, were unsuccessful at the time of publication. Similarly, the Miss Universe Organisation has not issued a response.
Recently, Miss Universe Fiji publicly addressed the confusion surrounding the rightful winner of the pageant, as Nadine Roberts contested irregularities in the judging process that overlooked her as the winner. Despite this, the Miss Universe Organisation has backed Manshika Prasad as the official winner. In light of the controversy, Miss Universe Fiji extended an apology for the events regarding the crown and requested that the Miss Universe Global Organisation determine who would represent Fiji in 2024.
The licensee for Miss Universe Fiji 2024, Lux Projects Bali, expressed hopes that Miss Universe would secure another sponsor to enhance future events and prevent similar issues. They emphasized a commitment to ensuring that independent judges appointed by the licensee could help avoid such controversies, leading to increased success in showcasing Fiji on a global platform and providing opportunities for young Fijian women to represent their country with pride.