Miss Universe Fiji Service Providers Demand Pay

Service providers of a recent international beauty pageant have sounded the battle cry as they await money owed to them.

Miss Universe Fiji 2024 has yet to settle its bills for services it contracted during the three-day beauty pageant at The Pearl South Pacific Beach Resort Tracey Ann Farrington was one such service provider, who was called on last minutes to serve as master of ceremonies on the crowning night.

Farrington, a Nadi-based boutique owner and fashion designer, sponsored the clothes for the 10 contestants and judges.

She said small businesses such as hers were made to suffer at the hands of bigger operators like Miss Universe Fiji who were yet to settle their bill.

An agitated Farrington said she received an unsettling message from a judge about money owed.

"I don't understand why the judge has referred me to a gmail address to settle my dues, but she did say she resigned because of non-payment concerns," she said.

"It should be an address with Miss Universe domain."

Sun Biz's queries to national director for Miss Universe Fiji, Paris Jade, were unanswered when this edition went to print.

Manshika Prasad (right) was crowned Miss Fiji but two days later was told that Nadine Roberts (left) had won the crown.

Miss Universe Organisation has also not responded.

Last week, Miss Universe Fiji apologised for the scuffle surrounding the rightful winner, after Nadine Roberts challenged irregularities in the judging processed that failed to name her queen.

But Miss Universe Organisation has come out in defense of Manshika Prasad as the winner of the contest.

Miss Universe Fiji apologised for what transpired in the battle for the crown, and asked Miss Universe Global Organisation to decide who it wanted to represent Fiji for 2024.

"It hopes Miss Universe is able to attract another funder for the Miss Universe Fiji licensee, to continue the investment already provided this year, to have the event to be even larger for next year and beyond, and with independent judges only appointed by the licensee, to ensure such a debacle is avoided, the event could become a huge success for promoting Fiji to a large Global audience and to see young Fijian women to have the chance to proudly represent their country," Miss Universe Fiji 2024 licencee Lux Projects Bali said.

Feedback: frederica.elbourne@fijisun.com.fj