Queen contestants of the Hibiscus Festival 2025 Presented By FMF addressed the urgent and growing challenges confronting Fiji’s youth, including increasing drug use, mental health struggles, unemployment, and social neglect.
While speaking on fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan, the young women highlighted the need for greater community awareness, parental engagement, and stronger support systems to tackle the worsening crisis affecting young people across the country.
Miss iTech Pacific, Salanieta Galo voiced deep concern about drug use among children in school.
She is urging people to support awareness campaigns, saying that several contestants are actively advocating for drug education and HIV prevention.
Miss Merchant Finance, Maria Ali emphasised youth unemployment as a growing concern, saying that many graduates struggle to find jobs after completing their studies.
The 19-year-old contestant also linked the problems to poor mental health among young people.
Miss Emerald Developments, Phoebe Madden pointed to abandonment as a major factor driving youth towards drug use.
She explains that young people often turn to drugs as a way to cope with feelings of being left out or neglected.
The 18-year-old from Taveuni says peer pressure and broken family environments significantly contribute to harmful behaviour.
Miss Yue Lai Hotel, Shyna Lata raised concerns about increasing online harassment and bullying.
She says it is sad to see that women, in particular, are dragging each other down on social media.
The 22-year-old who hails from Macuata in Labasa also says that a lack of parental involvement and open communication is a key factor driving the rise in drug-related issues.
Miss Playland Fantasy, Talei May echoed similar concerns about neglect and the lack of parental attention.
The 22-year-old says curiosity and lack of guidance can push youth towards drugs and criminal activity, especially when they are left to navigate challenges on their own.
The contestants also shared words of hope and encouragement, urging young people to seek help and speak to counsellors rather than turning to drugs. They reminded young people to love themselves and lean on supportive friends.
The Hibiscus Festival 2025 concludes on Saturday night with the crowning of the new Queen to be held at 8pm.
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