The Hibiscus Carnival’s highly-anticipated Fashion Parade was cancelled in 1996.

Event co-ordinator Ana Sweetman was quoted in an article in The Fiji Times on Wednesday, August 21, 1996, that the cancellation was because of various organisational issues.

“We regret to have to make this decision, but unfortunately, confirmation for holding the event, as well as for sponsorship, came in too late,” Mrs Sweetman said.

“It would be unfair on the public to just present a fashion show for the sake of it without proper planning,” she said.

The fashion parade had been a staple highlight of the carnival in past years.

That year organisers had hoped to mark the carnival’s 40th anniversary with an exciting show featuring former Hibiscus queens and their children as models.

“It’s a pity because this year, we wanted to celebrate the milestone with something special,” she said.

Additionally, an internal rift within the carnival’s organising committee appeared to be mending.

Publicity officer Elenoa Sikivou, who previously raised concerns about judging discrepancies in past years, announced that High Court Judge Justice Daniel Fatiaki would now oversee the judging sheets.

Queens’ committee chairman Arthur Hazelman had previously objected to Sikivou’s comments, arguing that they cast doubt on the judges and organisers of previous carnivals.

Former Fiji Hibiscus Association president and Suva Chamber of Commerce vice-president Litia Koto Vakarewakobau criticised the committee’s (at the time) performance.

She questioned the lack of published audited accounts and called for greater transparency.

“Why aren’t they publishing the audited accounts,” Mrs Vakarewakobau asked.

The committee in question was also under scrutiny for not calling or advertising public annual general meetings, a practice Mrs Vakarewakobau noted was standard during her presidency.

She emphasised that all profits from events and stalls were directed to the charity chest under her leadership.