“Bua pei Bua“, was on the banner that villagers took to the stage area at Subrail Park after Miss Apex Enterprises and Wainunu Nakawakawa lass Debra Mauritz was crowned this year’s Queen of the Vodafone Festival of the Friendly North.
Ms Mauritz, who was crowned on Saturday night in Labasa, thanked God for His blessings, her parents and family for their support which resulted in her achievement.
“I didn’t do this alone and I thank you all for your support, my sponsors and everyone who has made this carnival a success.”
In closing the event, Minister for Education Premilla Kumar said such an event had certainly benefitted the community over the years through development projects.
“This year they will do more work at the dialysis centre in the hospital and this will greatly assist patients,” she said.
“I thank the committee for being transparent, accountable and for always electing a new chairperson every year as this ensures good governance in the organisation.”
Carnival committee chairman Rajneel Maharaj thanked the communities of Vanua Levu for their great support towards the annual event despite a lapse of two years. “We have done this because of the support from the communities and we will continue to do more for our people in Vanua Levu,” he said.
“The main project for this year will be the upgrading of the dialysis centre at the Labasa Hospital which goes in line with this year’s theme – ‘Healthy and Prosperous North’.”
Mr Maharaj said over the past 15 years, the carnival had spent $1.8 million on community development projects.
This year the carnival committee aims to upgrade the dialysis centre at the Labasa Hospital which will cost about $70,000.
