THE Vodafone Festival of the Friendly North raised $260,182 when it concluded last night and crowned Miss Labasa Divisional Hospital Naima Shazmeen as Miss Friendly North 2018.
Ms Shazmeem thanked God for giving her the strength during the week-long festival and also acknowledged her family and friends for their support.
“I did not prepare a speech. I just wore my dress and made my way here (Subrail Park) this evening and I thank God for the week as I have enjoyed myself,” the intern pharmacist at the Labasa Hospital said.
“I thank my family, my workmates and supporters for encouraging me. To all my beautiful contestants — we are all winners.”
In closing the festival, chief guest Vodafone’s chief marketing officer Rajnesh Prasad thanked the northern communities for supporting the annual event.
The festival committee’s president Vishwa Deo promised the northerners that a multipurpose hall would be their project from the funds raised.
The first runner-up was Miss Civil Service Meima Maeli, while the second runner-up was a tie between Miss Fiji Sugar Corporation Ateca Ledua and Miss Sambu Lal Construction Ltd Mithali Bishwa
