21 gun salute for Tui Nayau
Apr 27, 2004, 08:30

A 21-Gun Salute will farewell Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara on his final journey from Suva to Tubou on Friday, April 30th 2004.

Fiji Military Forces spokesperson, Captain Ned Taito said the centuries old British tradition would be performed once the Tovuto that would carry the casket disembarks from the Queens Wharf for Lakeba.

"The 21-Gun –Salute is only accorded to the Royal Family in Britain and the Heads of States of Commonwealth Countries," said Captain Taito.

He said the Tovuto would be escorted by Fiji Navy vessels the Kiro, Kikau and Lautoka and the Tongan Navy’s Savea.

Three 25 bound cannons would fire a volley of 21 shots from the Suva Harbour foreshore as the Tovuto is escorted out of the harbour on its voyage for Lakeba on Friday morning.

"The Fiji Military Forces is making all necessary arrangements and we a continually consulting with the working committee on any alterations that may be undertaken in relation to the vanuas arrangements," Captain Taito explained.

He said the military is sending a 500 personnel self-sustaining unit to Tubou and rehearsing all maneuvers involved in the state funeral procession both in Suva and on chiefly Tubou.

"The state funerals here in Fiji is unique given the intertwining roles assumed by the state and the vanua and this is something the Fiji Military Forces has taken to heart," said Captain Taito.

He said all elements of the procession has continually being updated and he would constantly inform the public on the changes to the details of the state funeral activities once the working committee approves to this alterations.

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