The absence of Indo Fijian contestants was one of the talking points as Suva prepared for the 1989 Hibiscus Festival, with committee chairman George Pickering expressing disappointment that none was sponsored to compete for the coveted Hibiscus Queen crown.
The Fiji Times reported on August 15 of 1989 that 15 young women were contesting the coveted Hibiscus Queen crown.
“I am personally disappointed that no Indian girls are taking part in the contest,” Mr Pickering said.
“Suva is a multi-racial city, and it was a pity that no Indian girls had been sponsored.”
Despite this, preparations for the carnival were progressing according to schedule and the organising committee was pleased with the response from business houses, despite having five fewer contestants than the previous year.
The frames for about 60 stalls had been erected along Cakobau Rd, with almost all the stalls already rented.
Cakobau Rd had been closed to traffic for the duration of the carnival to allow organisers and stall holders to complete preparations and ensure the area was ready for the crowds.
Financially, Mr Pickering was also confident the committee would raise a “significant amount”, despite the substantial sum collected during Hospital Week just two weeks earlier.
The committee had set a target of $50,000, while the previous year’s carnival had raised about $100,000.
The 1989 festival also promised attractive prizes for the winners. Miss Hibiscus 1989 was to receive a return trip for two to Vancouver, Canada while Miss Charity was to win a return trip for two to Honolulu.
Both prizes were courtesy of Canadian Airlines International as part of the airline’s 40th anniversary celebrations.
Adding to the occasion, the Fijian Hotel was to host all the contestants for a night following the carnival.
Tickets for the various festival programs were scheduled to go on sale from August 15, with a sales booth operating in front of the Central Morris Hedstroms from 10am to 4pm daily.
As Suva counted down to the carnival, the city was preparing once again for a week of colour, entertainment, competition and community celebration.
