Minister orders immediate investigation into allegations of sexual harassment of Hibiscus contestant

Minister for Local Government, Maciu Nalumisa has ordered the Suva City Council Chair Special Administrators, Tevita Boseiwaqa to undertake an immediate and impartial investigation into the allegations of sexual harassment at the recent Suva Hibiscus Carnival.

One of the contestants has alleged that a man had touched her inappropriately after the crowning ceremony.

It is alleged the man was drunk and was escorted out by SCC Administrator, Opetaia Ravai.

Nalumisa says the Ministry has zero tolerance for any form of misconduct and is deeply concerned about how the Hibiscus Committee handled the matter.

He emphasised that the safety and dignity of all participants are of utmost importance, and the Ministry is committed to ensuring public events remain safe and respectful.

fijivillage News has sent questions to the Hibiscus Festival Committee on what it is doing about the allegations of sexual harassment made by a contestant, will the action be reported to the Police, what is the Committee's stand on the alleged inappropriate touching of a contestant, will Ravai take further action, or does the Committee believe that escorting the person out after the alleged incident was sufficient.

Police confirm no report has been lodged after the alleged incident.

We are awaiting comments from the committee on why no report has been lodged.