People in the North were issued with a chiefly and presidential challenge last Saturday during the Digicel Duavata Northern Crime Prevention Carnival 2023.

Tui Macuata and President of Fiji, Ratu Williame Katonivere, called on northerners to help authorities reduce the crime rate in the division.

He made the call while opening the carnival at Subrail Park.

“Crime prevention is everyone’s business, not only the Fiji Police Force or the Ministry of Home Affairs,” Ratu Wiliame said in his speech.

“The responsibility lies with each of us.”

Ratu Wiliame, the Tui Macuata, told northerners that crime prevention in the division was everyone’s responsibility to partake in and minimise.

“The carnival is an essential element in community policing as well as rebuilding the public’s confidence in our Police,” he reiterated.

Carnival committee chairperson Satish Kumar said the event promoted peace and security of Fijians.

“Every step taken against crime eradication, is one life saved from crime. We want to make our country a crime free and better place to live in.”

He thanked sponsors Digicel Fiji, Pinto Industries Pte Limited and Hotel Northpole.

Twenty-two contestants competing in the queens, kings, teens and princess categories are part of the nine-day event which ends on Saturday, July 15.

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