Fiji Times
by Salaseini Vosamana
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| Newly-crowned Miss Northern Crime Prevention carnival queen Irene Mary Kumar with her supporters. Picture: SALASEINI VOSAMANA |
IN an effort to combat crime, chiefs in Vanua Levu have pledged their support towards the Northern Crime Prevention Carnival in the coming years.
The first-ever crime prevention carnival in the country staged at Labasa's Subrail Park last week drew a large turnout and support from the vanua and the public. Tui Macuata Ratu Aisea Katonivere said it was about time people showed their support for a worthy cause to create a crime-free society.
"This is one carnival that will always have my support and we hope it will portray a positive message to the community, so we can all live together in peace and harmony," he said. "The people of Caumatalevu will always be there to support this event in the coming years."
Tui Wainunu Ratu Orisi Baleitavea said the carnival had generated ideas for them to include a crime-prevention stall at the Bua showcase next year. "We thank the carnival organisers for coming up with such a wonderful event that not only brings people together but helps us understand more about crime," Ratu Orisi said. "The district of Wainunu has vowed to work together with the police in order to control crime in Bua.
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| Tui Cakau |
Similar sentiments were shared by the Tui Cakau, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, who was traditionally approached by police officers on Taveuni to inform him about their victory at the carnival.
Miss Taveuni Irene Mary Kumar, 18, won the Northern Crime Prevention carnival title last week.
Northern Crime Prevention committee chairman Parmod Chand earlier said they would organise a bigger and better carnival in the future.
