The 2022 Digicel Duavata Northern Crime Prevention Carnival will be held from July 9-16 after a lapse of two years.

Carnival’s crime prevention committee chairperson, Satish Kumar, said during the festivity, contestants will advocate against crime-related and violence issues to the public.

“We must combat crime and prevent it from becoming a daily issue and the word ‘Duavata’ embedded in the carnival’s naming meant community policing and awareness, which was always a vital component,” Mr Kumar said.

“We thank our major sponsors, Digicel and other co-sponsors, who ensured that financially we are ready to host this carnival.”

Addressing the theme

Mr Kumar said home burglary and robbery were becoming a major cause of concern in Labasa at the moment.

Even Police Chief of Operations, Abdul Khan, confirmed receiving a number of burglary and aggravated robbery cases from the Northern Division over the past few weeks.

Mr Khan said operations had been beefed up both proactively through Community Policing and increased visitations and visibility.

The hardworking chairperson said there were a lot of logistical challenges they had to overcome in an effort to organise the Carnival, post COVID-19.

Awareness

Mr Kumar reminded the supporters and public that the carnival was not just for entertainment purposes only, but, to create awareness and assist the police in combating crime in our respective communities and municipality.

“We are the eyes and ears of the Police and we must raise up to understand these roles,” he articulated.

This year, 30 pageants competing in five categories vying for the Queen, King, Teen, Princess and Priscilla titles.

Chief quest, Digicel Regional Manager Northern, Livai Suka Silatoga, said he was pleased to confirm the continuation of their naming rights sponsorship.

“The funds collected will be used for a worthy course. It is not just the responsibility of the Police to apprehend criminals, but, all of us citizens have to pitch in,” he said.

Chairperson of the contestant committee, Umesh Chand, said they initially had issues of arranging a venue for their rehearsals but luckily that was resolved

“Extra effort was made in ensuring that our contestants were ready for public speaking and on weekends, we took them to Pontoon nightclub rooftop for their training,” he said.

In the Queens category, eight districts of Nadogo, Labasa, Savusavu, Taveuni, Seaqaqa, Korotasere, Rabi, and Tukuvesi would be represented.

“The number this year will equal our record back in 2018 in terms of the number of participants that have taken part in a single Duavata carnival event,” he added.

Feedback:  sampras.anand@fijisun.com.fj