THE 2025 Hibiscus Festival has brought colour and energy to Suva. But behind the celebrations, it has taken a collective effort to maintain safety and cleanliness, while keeping the carnival meaningful.
This year, there are 10 Queen contestants and they are: Miss Unique Rubber Stamp Temalesi Tuiwalese, Miss Apco Gitali Ram, Miss I Tech Pacific Salanieta Galo, Miss Social Advocacy Network Anaseini Loiloi, Miss Leleuvia Resort Tiare Colavuli, Miss Emarald Development Phoebe Madden, Miss Yue Lai Hotel Shyna Lata, Miss Merchant Finance Maria Ali, Miss National Fire Authority Ryelle Aisea and Miss Playland Fantasy Talei May. So far, Miss National Fire Authority Ryelle Aisea has won a total of $1000 in prize money, earning $500 for Best Talent on (Day 5) and another $500 on iTaukei Night (Day 6) at the third public judging where contestants showcased their cultural performances.
Prioritising security
More than 60 high-tech security cameras were permanently installed across the capital to monitor movement during the festival.
Suva City Council acting CEO and festival committee chairman Tevita Boseiwaqa, said the cameras covered key areas from the bus stand to known drug hotspots.
“These new cameras are different from the old ones. They capture clear images, even in dark areas, and everything will be monitored by a central team alongside police,” he said.
While some units at the foreshore grounds may later be relocated, most cameras will remain as part of a long-term push to deter crime in Suva.
Mr Boseiwaqa warned that anyone planning to engage in criminal activities during the festivities would be caught on camera.
A clean capital
The city also stepped up its cleanliness drive with targeted operations, including “Operation Bins,” which ensures rubbish bins are installed at strategic points. Contractors were closely monitored to keep drains, hedges and public spaces maintained.
“Close monitoring has made a difference. We’ve seen improvements in how the city is being kept,” Mr Boseiwaqa said.
“We’re also involving schools through the Ministry of Education to teach children proper waste management, including composting.”
The council also engaged women’s groups to turn waste into compost products that can be sold, turning a community problem into an opportunity.
“We want to involve the community because without them it will be very hard,” Mr Boseiwaqa said.
Inclusive festival
Beyond the festivities and operations in the heart of the city, this year’s Hibiscus queen contestants also used their platform to highlight pressing social issues.
A visit to the Golden Age Home in Samabula on Tuesday left many of the young women visibly moved as they listened to stories of neglect and abandonment from elderly residents.
Miss APCO Coatings, Gitali Ganisha Ram, said hearing those experiences was eye-opening.
“It’s so sad that there’s a high number of people not taken care of by their own children. Parents who embraced and raised us are now neglected or abandoned,” she said.
She said staff at the home had shared with her the six types of abuse elderly people faced.
“That opened my eyes further. My hope is that by raising our voices we can push for change so the elderly are loved, cared for and not neglected or abandoned.”
Her fellow contestant, Miss I Tech Pacific, Salanieta Galo, echoed the call.
She described the visit as an emotional and meaningful experience.
“It was heartbreaking to see the elderly crying for their loved ones. They should be with their families, surrounded by respect and love,” she said.
Salanieta, whose chosen advocacy is women’s health, said seeing so many elderly women in the home had strengthened her determination to campaign for dignity in elderly care.
“Women are the pillars of the family. They deserve kindness, respect and proper care.”
A time of reflection
While the Hibiscus Festival remains a celebration of entertainment, food and culture, it is also a stage for broader conversations – about security and safety in the city, about community partnerships in waste management and about the responsibility every generation has to care for its elderly.
For organisers, the permanent installation of security cameras and the launch of cleanliness operations mark long-term investments in Suva’s future.
For the contestants, their visit to the Golden Age Home was a reminder that festivals are a chance to speak for the voiceless.
