'Editorial': Are Hibiscus Festival Amusement Rides Safe?

The amusement ride mishap at the start of the 2024 Miss Hibiscus Festival has raised critical concerns about safety of public festivals.

While the excitement of the festival brings together families and friends in celebration, the shadow of danger looms when safety protocols are overlooked.

The festival is a Fijian highlight where culinary delights, vibrant music, and social connections flourish. The aroma of savory popcorn, barbecues, and array of cuisines, especially iTaukei, fills the air, creating an enticing taste for people of all walk of life and age.

After its five-year absence, the return of the Miss Hibiscus Festival 2024 is a cause for celebration. It is important that this joy is not overshadowed by safety oversights. The mishap on Sunday reminds us of the importance of ensuring that amusement rides are operated with all safety measures.

Many of those machines have been in the business for decades. They are wheeled out of storage, given a fresh coat of paint, and set in motion without proper checks. This is dangerous and can have deadly consequences.

Fiji has had its share of minor festival mishaps over the years. We cannot use these as only statistics. The alarming accident last June, which resulted in the death of a 21-year-old woman and serious injuries to two others after a Ferris wheel malfunction, in Suva showed the need for improved safety measures. In North America more than 1197 amusement ride accidents happened in a year after being visited by millions of people. In Fiji, we must ask ourselves how prepared we truly are to handle such emergencies.

While the Hibiscus Festival is a time for fun, excitement, and family bonding, safety should not be forgotten. People want to enjoy thrilling rides in festivals for the adrenaline rush. They deserve a safe environment. Parents should not fear that a day of fun could turn into a traumatic experience for their children. The committee’s assurance that all rides are subject to checked and certified must not be taken at face value; thorough and transparent safety checks should be paramount, particularly following any incident.

The Hibiscus Festival committee made the right call in halting the troubled ride, yet this should not be a Band-Aid fix.

The Ministry of Industrial Relations OHS Department must prioritise safety, ensure that operators are certified, and medics are present onsite at all times. Safety zones with soft ground rather than hard pavements can make a significant difference in reducing the risks associated with such rides. An effective response plan to address potential emergencies is important.

As the festival unfolds over the next four days, people’s enjoyment should be primary. They should enjoy, sight-see, indulge in delicious foods, and take back joyful memories without fear of injury or theft. Organisers must ensure safety and security at all times. They should be proactive in ensuring safety measures to restore public confidence.

Moreover, as we enjoy Miss Hibiscus Festival 2024, we must also be mindful of our environment. The ongoing beautification efforts in Suva should not be undermined by littering or graffiti. Please keep Suva Clean!!

Opetaia Ravai, the committee chairman, rightly said that the collective goal was to create positive and secure lasting memories. Let us heed this wake-up call and enjoy the Hibiscus Festival without risking our lives.

Feedback: maikeli.vesikula@fijisun.com.fj