Hundreds of mourners lined Suva’s streets at dawn on Friday as the nation paid its latest respects to the late Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, whose funeral cortege left the Colonial War Memorial Hospital this morning en route to State House. Ratu Epeli, a former President, military commander and Speaker of Parliament, died on March 26 aged 84.
As first light broke, people from all walks of life gathered along Waimanu Road, Mark Street and Victoria Parade, many standing in silence with bowed heads as the procession passed. Shop owners paused their morning routines and commuters halted to watch, a scene that underlined the deep public regard for a man often described as the “people’s President.”
The cortege was escorted with full military honours by the Republic of Fiji Military Forces and the Fiji Navy, officials said. After the procession arrives at State House, Ratu Epeli’s body will lie in state there today, allowing members of the public and dignitaries to pay their respects.
Tomorrow morning a church service is scheduled at Albert Park, and in the afternoon the funeral will move to his ancestral home on Bau Island. He will be buried at the sacred Sau Tabu, in keeping with customary rites for island chiefs, organisers confirmed.
Mourners along the route recalled Ratu Epeli’s humility and his close connection with ordinary Fijians, saying he frequently walked among the people and engaged directly with communities. His long public career spanned military and parliamentary service, and his death earlier this week prompted an outpouring of tributes across political and social lines.
Today’s procession and the planned services on Saturday mark the latest developments in a national period of mourning that will culminate with his interment on Bau Island. Further details on attendance by state officials and any additional ceremonial arrangements are expected to be announced by State House in the coming hours.
Leave a comment