Online abuse risk comes with public profile, says Minister Tabuya

Minister for Information, Environment and Climate Change Lynda Tabuya urged festival contestants to stay strong in the face of online trolls and digital harassment.

She warned that their new status as public figures comes with the risk of online abuse.

Speaking to the queens of the 2025 Miss Tebara Festival, Ms Tabuya said while the platform gave them a strong voice to champion causes they cared about, it also exposed them to the darker side of public life.

Drawing from her own experience in the public eye, Ms Tabuya spoke about the reality of digital harassment.

“You are now public figures, and while you have a platform and a voice to speak on matters that are important to you, you will also be exposed to the dark side of being a public figure,” she said.

“I know that personally, and that is online abuse and online violence.”

She said contestants were likely already seeing unfair comments and criticism from trolls and anonymous accounts.

“I’m sure you’re already seeing it online, where there are unfair comments and unfair criticism, often from strangers, trolls and faceless opponents,” Ms Tabuya said.

She told the festival queens that while such criticism was not acceptable, they should remain strong and not be swayed by comments made online.

“Show strength and do not be swayed by what you hear or see behind the keyboard. Instead, write your own words — words that inspire, empower and uplift,” she said.

Closing the pageant in Nausori last night, Ms Tabuya also had a message for the public.

“Think before you click. Pause before you post,” she said.

Highlighting the dangers of online abuse, she urged people to be kind and mindful of the words they use, the comments they post online and the content they share.

“The digital platform can help us move forward, but it can also destroy someone’s life. Let’s choose kindness and choose to protect and love one another,” she said.

Miss Gulam Supermarket Laisani Blake was crowned Punjas Fiji Miss Tebara 2025.