Sophia Fatafei is delighted that she made the decision to take part in the Miss Duavata Northern Crime Prevention Carnival.

After all, she was crowned carnival queen at Subrail Park in Labasa on Saturday night. The 19-year-old who entered the carnival as Miss Savusavu, was one of the princess contestants in the 2014 carnival.

The youngest of nine siblings said she was approached by a carnival committee member to take part while they were searching for queen contestants.

“I would like to thank my parents and all the audience for their support throughout the week-long carnival,” Sophia said.

“I am content that my advocacy message on human trafficking and the urgency to stop it was achieved.”

The first-year student at the University of the South Pacific, pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce, aims to continue her effort in raising awareness on human trafficking. She hails from Wailevu West, Cakaudrove and aspire to become an accountant.

She said she was surprised to be crowned queen.

“This crown is ours because we all worked hard as a team to make this carnival successful,” she told the seven queen contestants.”

She also thanked the carnival committee for hosting the event after a lapse of two years due to COVID-19.

The first runner-up was Miss Bua, Ashna Priya Lal and second runner up was Miss Nadogo, Luisa Vunibola.

Chief guest, Attorney-General and Minister for Economy, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum thanked the carnival committee for their effort.

“It is critically important to also acknowledge the contestants for their hard work as it is not easy to be scrutinised every day,” he said.

“It’s only for a good course and that is to raise funds and hence they are all winners for all of us because of the effort.”

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