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| Tubou natives perform final rituals Apr 30, 2004, 14:30 |
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Tubou, Lakeba: The people of Tubou in Lakeba are still finalising the final rituals to the way in which they will lay to rest their high chief and former Prime Minister and President the late Ratu Sir Kamisese Kapaiwai Tuimacilai Mara.
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| Assistant Roko Tui Lau briefing media personnel in Tubou. |
Assistant Roko Tui Lau, Roko Lawaci Uluiqalau said that normally in a case like this, the vanua handles the way in which its chief is to be kept and buried.
However, in this case members of the military forces will take part.
"In a normal scenario, the Yavusa Vuanirewa is supposed to escort the cortege from the ship right tothe house.
"However, the military will perform this function because the military feels that they owe this to the late Tui Nayau because he was once their Commander in Chief and should only be accorded a full military farewell," Mr Uluiqalau said.
He said that the military personnel will hand over the cortege of the late Tui Nayau to the Yavusa Delaikorolevu who lay to rest the high chief on Monday, May 3rd, 2004.
Meanwhile, the women from the various islands in Lau already in Tubou and the women from the Yavusa Vuanirewa have been busily preparing and organizing the proper spreading of mats at the late Tui Nayau's house, to which he will be brought and kept under vigil for 2 nights.
Mr Uluiqalau said that spreading the mats for their high chief is not an easy and the women have been given time to organize the spreading of the mats and masi from today until 3pm tomorrow afternoon.
"By 3pm tomorrow, the women should have finished organizing the spreading of the mats and the traditional warriors will take their positions around the village where they will stand in guard to await
the arrival of the cortege of the late Tui Nayau," he said.
Mr Uluiqalau stressed that there will also be restrictions of movements of the villagers and mourners on the island when the traditional warriors will take their positions.
He said the cortege of the former Prime Minister and President, is expected in Tubou on Saturday on board the Government vessel Tovuto after leaving Suva on Friday, April 3oth, 2004.
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