The recent incident involving an amusement ride at the opening of the 2024 Miss Hibiscus Festival has sparked serious concerns regarding safety at public events. While festivals are a joyous occasion that unite families and friends, the threat of danger looms when safety protocols are inadequately followed.
The festival is a significant event in Fiji, showcasing culinary treats, lively music, and social interactions. The inviting scents of popcorn, barbecues, and a wide variety of cuisines, particularly traditional iTaukei dishes, create a delightful experience for people of all ages.
The return of the Miss Hibiscus Festival after a five-year hiatus is a reason to celebrate, but this excitement must not be eclipsed by safety issues. The recent mishap serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to safety measures for amusement rides.
Many of these rides have been in operation for years and are often taken out of storage, renovated, and deployed without thorough inspections. This practice poses serious safety risks, which can lead to tragic outcomes.
Fiji has experienced its share of minor incidents at festivals over the years. These instances should not be merely brushed off as statistics. A serious accident last June, which left a 21-year-old woman dead and injured two others due to a Ferris wheel malfunction in Suva, underscores the urgent need for better safety protocols. In North America, there were over 1,197 amusement ride accidents reported in a single year, despite millions enjoying these experiences. Fiji must evaluate its preparedness to handle such emergencies.
While the Hibiscus Festival is supposed to be a time for fun, excitement, and connection, safety must remain a priority. Attendees seek thrilling rides for an adrenaline rush but deserve to feel secure. Parents should not worry that a day of enjoyment could turn traumatic for their children. The festival committee’s assurances of checking and certifying all rides should be backed by rigorous and transparent safety inspections, especially following any incident.
The committee’s decision to suspend the troubled ride was appropriate, but this should not serve as a temporary fix. The Ministry of Industrial Relations OHS Department must take the lead in prioritizing safety, ensuring that ride operators are certified, and that medical personnel are on-site throughout the event. Establishing safety zones with soft ground instead of hard surfaces can greatly reduce risks associated with these attractions. A well-structured response plan for potential emergencies is also essential.
As the festival continues over the next four days, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for attendees should be a top priority. Visitors should relish in the sights, savor delicious food, and create joyful memories without fear of injury or theft. Organizers have the responsibility to maintain safety and security at all times, proactively implementing measures to restore public trust.
Additionally, as we celebrate the Miss Hibiscus Festival 2024, it is crucial to be conscious of our environment. Ongoing beautification efforts in Suva should not be compromised by litter or vandalism. Keeping Suva clean is everyone’s responsibility.
Opetaia Ravai, the chairperson of the festival committee, rightly emphasized that the shared goal is to create positive and safe memories. Let us take this opportunity to enjoy the Hibiscus Festival while prioritizing our safety.