Dignitaries gather at State House to pay tribute to Ratu Epeli

Government representatives, including Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, paid their final respects and signed the condolence book at the State House this morning.

Also paying his respects at the State House this morning was King Tupou VI of Tonga.

Others included former President Jioji Konrote, President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, RFMF Commander Major General Ro Jone Kalouniwai, Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu, Fiji Navy Commander Commodore Timoci Natuva, former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, members of Parliament, and members of the Fiji diplomatic corps.

The body of Ratu Epeli is now lying in state at the State House.

Earlier this morning, the RFMF and the Fiji Navy escorted his cortege through Suva City to the State House.

The cortege was accompanied by former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, RFMF Commander Major General Ro Jone Kalouniwai, Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu, Fiji Navy Commander Commodore Timoci Natuva, along with senior military, navy, and police officers.

Members of the public sat along the roadside as the cortege passed, paying their final respects to the late former President.

Tomorrow, the State Funeral service will be held at Albert Park at 8:30am, followed by the final procession through Suva to Bau Island, where he will be laid to rest at the sacred burial ground, the Sau Tabu.