The Yavusa Burenivalu are ready to bury the ashes of Ro Veidovi Logavatu, who was taken to the US in 1840 accused of murdering at least ten American merchant sailors.
Head of the Yavusa Peniasi Qaloutawa says they are ready to bury one of their chiefs as this is their sole duty.
Qaloutawa says they are happy that the role of burying chiefs was bestowed on them and they are continuing what their forefathers had promised in the past.
He adds that the descendants of Ro Veidovi are still alive and they are the line of Roko Tui Dreketi.
Yavusa Burenivalu member Samu Tagicere says they only heard stories of Ro Veidovi from their elders.
He says one of the stories he heard is that Ro Veidovi was blamed for an incident that occurred in Nukulau and the US government came after him.
Tagicere says they heard stories of Ro Veidovi's life from their elders but it would be great if it was properly stored.
Ro Veidovi's ashes is expected to arrive in Lomanikoro Village this hour.
The men from Yavusa Burenivalu are taking turns in watching over the sacred burial ground known as Muaiqele.
The event will mark a historic moment for the people of Lomanikoro and the province of Rewa as they will lay to rest one of their chiefs that was taken to the US during the 1800s.
The event will be attended by US Ambassador Marie Damour and members of the diplomatic corps.
