The body of the late Lau chief and former government minister and diplomat, Na Vuanirewa Vua na Tui Nayau, Ratu Finau Mara is currently being escorted by traditional warriors from the Vuanirewa clan of Lau to Lomanikoro in Rewa.
He will be received by the chiefly Valelevu clan of Rewa this hour.
The Valelevu clan is then tasked to bury their Vasu Levu at the chiefly burial site which is the Sautabu in Lomanikoro. The late Ratu Finau will be laid to rest beside his late mother and Na Marama Na Roko Tui Dreketi, Ro Lady Lala Mara.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions and traditional protocols, the traditional burial ceremony is only open to immediate family members.
The Thanksgiving Service was held at the Stella Maris Convent Chapel behind closed doors with only immediate family members.
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Some of the people who paid their last respects at the chapel this morning included former Prime Minister and Fiji Labour Party Leader, Mahendra Chaudhry and wife Virmati, Speaker, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, Ratu Tuakitau Cokanauto, Roko Tui Bau Timothy Daniel, Bau chief Ratu Epenisa Cakobau, Commander of RFMF, Rear Admiral Viliame Naupoto, former Secretary General to Parliament, Mary Chapman, Adi Finau Tabakaucoro, Amraiya Naidu, SODELPA MP, Lynda Tabuya, and lawyer, Jon Apted.
Women from Lau were also seen sitting on the side of the road as a sign of respect to the eldest son of the late Tui Nayau and Tui Lau, former Prime Minister and President, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara and the late RO Lady Lala Mara.
Ratu Finau who was 60 years old, passed away last Wednesday.
Ratu Finau is survived by his wife Vitinia Buadromo, his two children Ratu Salesi Kinikinilau Mara and Adi Lawerua Mara, his four sisters and one brother, one son-in-law and two grandchildren, Taru and Salesi Dauni.
Stay with us for coverage of the funeral of the late Ratu Finau Mara.
