The President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau has given his assurance to the Chiefs of Vuda that the government fully supports the activities of the chiefly funeral for the late Tui Vuda Ratu Josefa Iloilo.

Ratu Epeli Nailatikau gave the assurance while presenting his i-reguregu together with the Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama to the Vanua of Vuda, as they conveyed the chiefly casket to Viseisei village yesterday afternoon.

Members of cabinet also presented their i-reguregu followed by the senior officers of the Fiji military Forces.

The delegation included the Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed Khaiyum, the Minister for works Captain Timoci Natuva, Education Minister Filipe Bole, Health Minister Dr Neil Sharma, Social Welfare Minister Dr Jiko Luveni and Agriculture Minister Joketani Cokanasiga.

Meanwhile, as the late Tui Vuda lies in Vunisei, the traditional warriors are guarding the four corners of the chiefly home on a 24 hour shift, while inside the home, military officers or only majors stand guard over the chiefly casket.

Women from Taukei Nakelo are also sitting quietly inside the bure dressed in black while the late Tui Vuda lies in Vunisei.

The men of Vuda finished working on the chiefly burial ground or the “sau tabu” called the “Burenivalu” - where Ratu Iloilo will be laid to rest on Thursday followed by a 21 gun salute.



Story by: Sofaia Koroitanoa and Tokasa Rainima