The Miss Universe Fiji 2024 crown was proudly claimed by 24-year-old Manshika Prasad, a native of Lakena Nausori currently pursuing an MBA in Australia. On being crowned Miss Universe Fiji 2024, Manshika Prasad said: “My passion is advocating against domestic violence, a cause deeply personal to me. I aim to use the Miss Universe platform to amplify the voices of those silenced by fear and violence, raising awareness and inspiring change.” Sharing the spotlight as co-runners up were 23-year-old Susana Ranadi, from the island of Ekubu and raised in Lautoka, and 30-year-old Nadine Roberts. Nadine Roberts, Co-Runner Up Miss Universe Fiji 2024, said: “I am a professional singer, dancer, and property manager, dedicated to empowering young girls and women in Fiji. My mission is to inspire the future generation to shine and reach their full potential.” Susana Ranadi, Co-Runner Up Miss Universe Fiji 2024, added: “With six years of experience as a fashion model, I’m now focusing on becoming a model agent in Fiji, using my industry knowledge to mentor aspiring models. Empowering women means lifting each other up and breaking barriers.”
The Miss Universe Fiji 2024 Crowning Ceremony
Hosted at the opulent Pearl Resort & Spa, the Miss Universe Fiji 2024 Gala Crowning Event marked a spectacular return to the global stage for Fiji, ending a 43-year hiatus. The evening brought together the nation’s elite from the hospitality, business, and fashion sectors, making it a night to remember. The evening began with a red carpet event, where the Top 9 finalists dazzled in evening and cocktail dresses by designer Tracey Ann Farrington. The pre-event cocktail reception, hosted by Natalie Marletta, General Manager of The Pearl Resort, set the tone for the night, as VIPs and guests mingled and enjoyed drinks.
A Night of Glamour and Entertainment
The gala itself was a feast for the senses, with a lavish buffet dinner followed by electrifying performances from the award-winning Vou Dance Group and Bitz n Pieces Band. The finalists showcased their beauty and poise in three fashion parades, featuring swimwear, resort wear designed by Tracey Ann Farrington, and formal gowns of their own creation. Throughout the evening, Raj Suri, a host and judge, guided the event with his voice-over and presentations, while Tracey Ann Farrington served as the official MC. The pinnacle of the night was the crowning ceremony, with Grant Dwyer, Miss Universe Fiji’s Marketing, Events & Sponsorship Director, bestowing the coveted crown upon the winner.
Controversy Erupts: A Crown Lost and Found
However, in a dramatic turn of events, the Miss Universe Fiji 2024 pageant was thrown into chaos when a mistake by organizers led to the wrong contestant being crowned. Initially, according to a Miss Universe Fiji media release, the crown was mistakenly awarded to 24-year-old Manshika Prasad, who is currently pursuing her MBA in Australia. Nadine Roberts, a professional singer, commercial dancer, and property manager, was incorrectly announced as the runner-up. Miss Universe Fiji said in a media release that the alleged error, which resulted from a rushed announcement and procedural oversight, caused significant confusion and heartbreak for both contestants. The alleged error occurred due to a tie in the votes, with the seven judges and the licensee holder’s vote resulting in four votes each for Prasad and Roberts. Further, according to the Miss Universe Fiji organisation, the contracted organiser failed to count the licensee vote and did not consult with the licensee holder, who should have had the final say in the event of a tie. The Miss Universe Fiji licensee representative expressed disappointment over the alleged error, stating that it tainted an otherwise successful event. However, they noted that the close competition and calibre of the contestants would only strengthen the pageant in the coming years. However, in another media statement on Monday, Grant Dwyer, who is the contracted organiser of the event, doubled down that Prasad is the “official winner”. Dwyer said Prasad “was judged fairly, amongst the 9 finalists, at the live crowing event on Friday”. “The 7 x official winners voted Manshika Prasad winner of the title. One of the 7 judges was a Lux Property Bali (Miss Universe Fiji licence holder) representative while the other 6 judges were all independent, confirmed and presented on the official website originally,” Dwyer noted. The story will be updated once we have received a statement from the judges.
A Celebration of Fiji's Return to the Global Stage
The Miss Universe Fiji event, held at the luxurious Pearl Resort & Spa, brought together Fiji’s elite from the hospitality, business, and fashion sectors. This year’s pageant marked Fiji’s long-awaited return to the Miss Universe global stage, 43 years after its last participation. The anticipation is building as Fijians edge closer to the crowning of Miss Universe Fiji 2024. This year Miss Universe Fiji has partnered with The Pearl Resort & Spa as the official host for the finals set to take place on Friday, August 30, 2024. The top 10 national finalists arrived at The Pearl Resort & Spa, Pacific Harbour, where they were warmly welcomed in a ceremony hosted by General Manager Natalie Marletta. The finalists posed for photos and videos with the resort staff, setting the tone for an exciting journey ahead. In a touching gesture, the finalists also visited the maternity ward at Navua Hospital, bringing gifts for new mothers and their babies. The gifts were received with great warmth, and the visit provided an opportunity for the contestants to engage with healthcare professionals, including Dr Kapil Swamy, SDMO Serua/Namosi, midwife Samantha Banner of the Navua Maternity Unit, and Salote Matanayawa, Commander of the Navua Command Centre. The discussions focused on the current challenges facing young mothers in Fiji, allowing the finalists to gain a deeper understanding of the community they represent.
A Journey of Empowerment and Awareness
After their hospital visit, the finalists returned to The Pearl Resort for lunch, followed by an educational session led by Melissa White, Director of the South Pacific chapter of the International Seakeepers Society. This session highlighted the society’s mission to promote oceanographic research, conservation, and education, particularly through the yachting community. The finalists also engaged in discussions, seeking to enhance their awareness of global ocean issues and the role they can play in environmental conservation. The excitement continues to build as Fiji eagerly awaits the crowning of its representative who will fly to Mexico City via Los Angeles to compete in the Miss Universe International Final in mid-November 2024.
