Crime-free carnival raises over $155k for school project

The FMF Duavata Northern Crime Prevention Carnival concluded without any major criminal incidents, with organisers also surpassing their fundraising target for a new classroom project at Valelawa Primary School in Dreketi.

Carnival committee chairperson Satish Kumar said the week-long event at Subrail Park in Labasa recorded no reports of vehicle break-ins, theft, pickpocketing or illicit drug-related incidents.

He credited the Fiji Police Force for maintaining a strong security presence throughout the carnival.

"Police ensured no crime took place through heavy surveillance, despite the large crowds that attended the week-long carnival," Mr Kumar said.

He said organisers worked closely with the Labasa Town Council and the Labasa Sanatan branch to safely host the carnival alongside another major event at Subrail Park.

"We signed a memorandum of understanding with the Sanatan branch and the Town Council to ensure both events were hosted without disruption," he said.

A safety barrier was also installed between the two grounds at Subrail Park to prevent soccer balls from entering the carnival area and posing a risk to patrons.

Mr Kumar said an estimated 15,000 people attended the carnival's final night on Saturday.

He acknowledged FMF Foods Ltd for its continued support as the carnival's major sponsor.

"FMF has been our financial backbone," he said.

The committee has also signed a three-year agreement with FMF, securing the company's naming rights sponsorship through to 2028.

Mr Kumar also thanked the media for supporting the event.

"I would like to thank the Fiji Sun, FBC and The Fiji Times for their excellent coverage of our carnival," he said.

Fundraising target exceeded

Mr Kumar said the committee exceeded its fundraising target of $150,000, raising a total of $155,850.

The funds will support the construction of new classrooms at Valelawa Primary School in Dreketi, Macuata.

He said staging a carnival of this size also involved significant costs, with more than $80,000 spent on organising the event, including about $15,000 for entertainment.

"People have to understand there are costs involved in hosting an event of this magnitude," he said.

Despite the expenses, Mr Kumar said the committee was pleased to have exceeded its fundraising goal while delivering a safe and successful carnival for the Northern community.