Satya Building and Contractors-sponsored Marica Tuiwainikai took out the Best Researched Topic award on Sunday at the 2017 Vodafone Festival of the Friendly North.

The 18-year-old spoke eloquently on parents’ negligence for five minutes before the judges and crowd at Subrail Park in Labasa.

“Parents’ negligence is a huge problem in our society and we need to create more awareness,” the Korowiri Village native of Macuata said.

“There was an article in the Fiji Sun where a father threw his three children in the Labasa River and then another article about a mother leaving her child behind only for going out to a night club.

“The mother was charged by Police for parental negligence.”

When the judges questioned Miss Tuiwainikai how  parental negligence can be addressed, the Year 13 student and headgirl of Holy Family Secondary School replied by creating more awareness in schools and communities.

“I believe children in schools need to be taught about their rights and parents need to be told that if they mistreat their child or fail to take care of their child then they can be taken to task by the Police,” she said.

“A lot of awareness has been done by the Government and stakeholders but we need to do more.

“Parents need to be more responsible.”

Queen and king contestants of the Vodafone Festival of the Friendly North dressed for Babasiga Night at Subrail Park in Labasa on August 20, 2017. Photo: Shratika Singh

Tuesday Programme

BSP i-Taukei Night

Queens’ first public judging

Sarong Display

Entertainment – Leba Boiyawa Ni Lomai Nasau Group from Suva

Edited by Rusiate Mataika

Feedback:  shratikan@fijisun.com.fj