Preparations for the State Funeral of former President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau have moved into their final phase, with ceremonial rites and public arrangements announced by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and State House officials this morning. The programme combines traditional iTaukei rituals and full military honours, with events taking place in Suva and concluding with burial rites on Bau Island.
Prime Minister Rabuka said arrangements were being finalised at State House, Albert Park and Bau Island and urged Fijians to “continue observing protocols and to participate with respect and unity.” Ceremonial observances begin immediately: the reguregu — a customary period of mourning and ritual — will be held at State House from today and will continue through to Thursday. Delegations wishing to pay respects have been asked to register through the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs.
A tightly scheduled public programme has been released for the final days. On Thursday the cortege will depart Oceania Hospital at 6.00am under escort from the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), travelling through central Suva along Waimanu Road, Mark Street, Usher Street, Scott Street, Victoria Parade and Queen Elizabeth Drive. Members of the public are encouraged to line the route to pay their respects. The former president will then lie in state at State House with controlled public viewing from 8.30am to 8.00pm, allowing extended access for mourners.
The State funeral service is set for 8.30am on Friday at Albert Park and will be open to all members of the public. Following the service, a final procession will depart for Bau Island where traditional rites are scheduled, with burial to take place at the sacred sau tabu at 2.00pm.
As part of preparations, the RFMF will carry out a funeral procession rehearsal in Suva today between 6.30am and 9.00am. Authorities have warned that temporary traffic disruptions should be expected along the designated route during the rehearsal. In addition, ceremonial firing of 105-millimetre howitzer blanks will be carried out at Queen Elizabeth Barracks in Nabua between 10.00am and 12.00pm today as part of military honours preparations.
State House has also confirmed that the national flag will remain at half-mast as the nation observes this period of mourning. Organisers emphasised that access to certain locations, including State House and the Albert Park service area, will be controlled to ensure security and respect for traditional protocols.
These arrangements mark the culmination of national and traditional protocols for the late Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, who served as Fiji’s president and a senior leader in public life. The coordinated schedule of ceremonies and the blend of military and iTaukei rites reflect decisions taken by Government, State House and traditional authorities to honour his service.
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