EIGHTEEN-year old Rose Chute of Udu in Macuata aims to increase awareness on crime prevention to her peers at the upcoming Northern Crime Prevention carnival in Labasa next month.
The seventh-former at Holy Family Secondary School is among the eight queen contestants who will be participating at the carnival.
Ms Chute will be representing the district of Wainikoro in Nadogo.
"This festivity is a time where we expect a big turnout from youths because they will want to socialise and spend more time with their friends," Ms Chute said.
"It's also an opportunity for me to educate them on crime prevention as most youths are fond of indulging in criminal activities.
"A lot has been done by our law enforcement officers on crime prevention and it's only proper we help them so the message is related properly to the public," she said.
Ms Chute said people should take ownership and be responsible for their own actions.
"We are the eyes and ears on the ground and one way we can help the police in reducing the rate of criminal activities is by informing them of such incidents when we come across them.
"This will not only boost the officers' jobs but also create a safer and secured environment to live in," she said.
The carnival is scheduled for June 21 to 23.