The decision to move the Vodafone Fiji Hi­biscus Festival to Nasinu has turned out to be a good one, says Minister for Local Government, Housing, Environment, Infra­structure and Transport Parveen Bala.

He said this during the 2018 Miss Hibiscus Talent Night held at the Bank of Baroda tent. It was also during the 2018 Vodafone Fiji Hibiscus Festival Prince and Princess crowning on the main stage at Valelevu Ground on Wednesday.

He said he knew many people made state­ments that a change of venue was against tra­dition. However, circumstances dictated other­wise.

Mr Bala said it was a good opportunity to test the idea that they had something known as the greater Suva area, which in planning and local government terms meant that it stretched from Navua to Nausori.

He said during the festival, people demon­strated beyond any doubt that there was not only a great Suva, but a living breathing and loving greater Suva.

He said it also demonstrated that the Hibiscus Festival and its tradition were bigger than just an avenue or town or city.

“It is as Fiji’s biggest festival; a festival for all of Fiji and for all Fijians,” Mr Bala said.

Edited by Jonathan Bryce

Feedback: ashna.kumar@fijisun.com.fj