Assistant Minister for Local Government, Housing and Environment Lorna Eden said Fiji should be more aware and take pride in the beauty of the country.

“We must become more conscious of our surroundings and take pride in our beautiful country,” Ms Eden said.

She was speaking yesterday at the opening of the Vodafone Hibiscus Festival at the Vodafone Arena in Suva following a march from Grantham Road and Laucala Bay Road to the Vodafone Arena.

The 61st anniversary of the longest-running festival had moved from the traditional Albert Park to the Laucala Bay Road venue with the march which started from the RC Manubhai in Grantham Road led by the Fiji Police Force Band, Vodafone Miss Hibiscus 2016 Anne Dunn, and Vodafone Hibiscus King 2016 Christopher Prasad.

Hundreds of people watched and cheered for their favourite contestants. Sixty-one contestants took part with 16 queens, 13 kings, 12 teens, 10 princes and 10 princesses’ vying to win a crown in their categories. 1982 contestant Ms Eden said it was a commitment from the Government for all municipalities to take active participation for climate change.

Vodafone chief marketing officer Rajnesh Prasad said that Vodafone was proud and fully committed to the Hibiscus Festival and would continue to sponsor festivals around the country.

Hibiscus Events Group executive chairperson Hirdesh Prasad said the Hibiscus group was proud to bring the festival and pageant to the people of Suva and similar festivals across Fiji.

Mr Prasad said Miss Fiji Times Charlene Lanyon gave the best presentation during the Best Research Topic competition which was held on Friday night.

The festival ends on Saturday, August 19.

Edited by Rusiate Mataika

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