THE late Speaker of Parliament, Dr Jiko Luveni, will be laid to rest at the Lovonilase Cemetery in Suva today.
Secretary General to Parliament Viniana Namosimalua yesterday led a delegation that escorted Dr Luveni’s cortege from MIOT Pacific Hospitals to her residence in Suva.
It was a sea of black and white along Constitution Ave as the cortege went through the Parliament complex where staff members stood in a solemn manner to pay their final respects.
According to a statement released from Parliament, condolence messages continued to be received from members of the diplomatic corp sand it continued to receive members of the public that turned up to note down their condolence messages in brief.
A government delegation led by President Jioji Konrote yesterday presented its ireguregu.
Also part of the delegation was Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and former president Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, including government members of Parliament and senior government officials.
The judiciary, led by Chief Justice Anthony Gates, also presented its ireguregu.
Dr Luveni died last weekend at the age of 72 after a short illness. She is survived by her husband, five children and seven grandchildren.
Dr Luveni hailed from Nukuni on Ono-i-Lau.
She continued in her role as the Speaker of Parliament after being reappointed earlier this year, her second term in office.
She was the first Fijian woman to hold the position of Speaker and was a dentist by profession. She also served as a minister in the FijiFirst government before being appointed Speaker.
Her church service will be held at the Centenary Methodist Church in Suva today.
