Daily public littering worries Canawaqa
Queen contestants hopes to remind public of their roles in protecting their environment.
The daily observance of humans littering freely has stirred the emotions of a Vodafone Ba Riverside Carnival queen contestant.
By using the carnival platform Maopa Canawaqa intends to help educate the public about environmental conservation.
The 19-year-old said her topic would incline more on the impacts of human activities on the environment.
“I believe people should be more aware that the products they are buying pose environmental risks, especially if they buy plastic bottles and then throw them around rather than reusing them,” Ms Canawaqa said.
She hails from Wainibuka, Tailevu, with maternal links in Navitilevu, Ra. She is pursuing education studies at the Fiji National University.
She is sponsored by V.R Builders.
Taking part
She said a member of her community encouraged her to take part as a contestant for the carnival. “One of the teachers living in my community advised me to take part since she is part of the organising committee and she submitted my name to take part,” she said. Ms Canawaqa said her family continuously provided her support. “My parents have been supportive and since I am the eldest child, my eight siblings have also been encouraging me, including my friends,” she said. Carnival chairman Arvind Singh said entertainment would be provided throughout the week. “We will have entertainment every night and the National Youth Band performing tomorrow from 1pm until 2.30pm for the float procession from the Ba Civic centre to the Vinod Patel Grounds and then they will provide entertainment again that night from 8.30pm until 11.30pm,” he said.