Festival Raises $119,300

The weeklong Digicel Duavata Northern Crime Prevention Carnival successfully raised $119,300.

This was confirmed by carnival committee chairperson Satish Kumar.

The annual charity event at Subrail Park, Labasa, is a platform for youth to advocate on critical social issues and injustices.

Newly-crowned Digicel Duavata Northern Crime Prevention Lucy Freda Tuinaceva’s advocacy message was speaking out against corrupt practices.

“I joined this carnival to improve my public speaking by advocating for the importance of combatting corruption for a fair society,” she said.

Highlighting the rise in corruption reports related to nepotism and bribery, she said there was a need for greater awareness.

“Many times, people practice nepotism and bribery for their own benefits, and this is very prevalent in Fiji,” she said.

The youngest of three siblings and originally from Dreketilailai, Macuata, Ms Tuinaceva thanked the committee members for organising the event.

She encouraged stakeholders and the private sector to work together for transparency.

Of her achievement on Saturday night, Ms Tuinaceva said: “I know my father, Eroni Tuinaceva, is watching from heaven and he is proud of me.”

Ms Tuinaceva is sponsored by Waste Management and is a student of Fiji National University (FNU) is pursuing a Bachelor of Education.

She was among seven contestants vying for the crown.

From Left: Winners of Digicel Duavata Northern Crime Prevention Carnival Miss Princess, Sarah Ofeina, Miss Digicel Duavata Northern Crime Prevention Carnival Lucy Tuinaceva, Mr Digicel Duavata Northern Crime Prevention Carnival Inosi Waqawaqa, and Miss Teen Digicel Duavata Northern Crime Prevention Carnival Makereta Tadra at Subrail Park in Labasa on July 20, 2024. Photo: Shratika Naidu

Mr King is only 16

Meanwhile, at only 16 years of age, Inosi Waqawaqa, sponsored by Universal Logistics, was crowned Mr Digicel Duavata Northern Crime Prevention.

Originally from Dreketi, Macuata, he dedicated his achievement to his mother, Charlotte Fong Tong.

“My mother works as a therapist at a salon, and she struggled juggling work, getting me to school, rushing me to rehearsals, preparing my costumes, making meals, and doing house chores,” he said.

The second youngest of seven siblings, Inosi focused on delivering his advocacy message on robbery effectively.

Admitting that he wasn’t initially good at public speaking, Inosi credited his extended family’s support for helping him face the crowd.

“I will continue to raise awareness on robbery, which is very prevalent in the country,” he said.

He thanked his fellow contestants, saying, “You all are winners.”

Backstage, Inosi’s mother, Ms Tong, said: “I am proud to have Inosi as my son.

“I encourage mothers to stand up for their children despite the challenges.”

Feedback: shratikan@fijisun.com.fj