This year’s Sugar Festival in Lautoka faced significant challenges due to a lack of support from the business community. Hem Raj, president of the Sugar Festival Committee, acknowledged that this absence of backing made it difficult to organize an event that truly represents the city’s premier festival, which community members eagerly anticipate each year.
Raj noted that in recent years, the festival’s venue had been diminished, with events relegated to smaller areas around Lautoka. However, upon taking over the organization last year, Raj’s team made a commitment to restore the festival to its original location at Churchill Park. This year, while they successfully attracted participation from smaller local businesses, including BBQ stall owners and juice vendors, the overall support from larger enterprises was notably lacking.
Despite the challenges, Raj remained grateful for the involvement of smaller enterprises and the entertainment ride operators who contributed to the festival’s vibrant atmosphere with new attractions. “Even with all of these really good features, we are still a charity event and it is meant to raise money,” Raj explained, expressing disappointment that the funds raised fell short of their target.
The committee managed to cover operational costs, allowing for payments to stall owners and entertainment providers, yet they struggled to accumulate sufficient funds for their charity initiatives. Raj emphasized, “If we had the support we needed from the bigger business houses, we would have been able to reach our target.”
Despite the hurdles, Raj reflected positively, asserting that the festival’s return to a larger venue was a noteworthy achievement and a step in the right direction toward revitalizing community support for this beloved event.
The Sugar Festival’s history is rooted in community involvement and charitable initiatives, and while this year’s event faced significant funding challenges, the ongoing efforts of the festival committee and local businesses signal hope for a strong revival in the years to come. The festival remains a cherished tradition, reminding residents of the importance of coming together to celebrate and support one another in times of need.