Known for his quiet presence at Suva’s Grants Betting House, his easy strolls through the capital, and his voice singing Silisili mai Wainadoi, the former President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau was remembered yesterday for the simple, human qualities that endeared him to many across Fiji.
Presenting the i-reguregu on behalf of the vanua o Burebasaga, Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces Major General Ro Jone Kalouniwai, delivered an emotional tribute highlighting the Bau chief’s humility and connection with ordinary citizens.
“His stroll in the Capital has ended, his voice singing Silisili mai Wainadoi is just a figure of a memory, the betting house will be now void of presence,” he said. “This is the life of Na i Taukei Naisogolaca, a man of two pedigrees, who brings himself down, and mingles with anyone, as a common man.”
The Burebasaga confederacy was led by the Gone Marama Bale Na Roko Tui Dreketi, Ro Teimumu Kepa.
Accompanied by chiefs and leaders, the delegation marked a significant moment of mourning, reflecting the deep respect held for the late statesman.
the traditional reguregu is at the State House from Monday to Wednesday this week and the funeral church service will be held on Friday at Albert Park, Suva, before his body is transported to Bau Island for his interment at the sautabu (chiefly burial grounds).
Ratu Epeli passed away on March 26 at the age of 84.
Vanua o Lau pays final respects
TRADITIONAL gifts and cultural honour defined proceedings at the State House yesterday, as the
vanua o Lau gathered in large numbers to pay their final respects to the former President, Na Turaga
Taukei Naisogolaca, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau.
The delegation was led by the Tui Nayau, Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba.
The solemn occasion featured the presentation of traditional offerings, including a magiti and the
revered sisi ni Lakeba, a distinctive, fragrant garland with cultural significance to the province and closely
associated with the Tui Nayau.
Ratu Tevita said the gathering reflected the collective respect of the vanua o Lau.
Among the groups that presented their i-reguregu yesterday were Golden Manufacturing, exservicemen, the Turaga na Qaranivalu, the vanua o Burebasaga, the vanua ko Nalawa, the ACS community, and the QVS Old Boys Association.
The funeral cortege of the former president departs Oceania Hospitals at 6am tomorrow escorted by the
RFMF. It will travel through Waimanu Rd, Victoria Parade and Queen Elizabeth Dr before arriving at the State House.
His body will lie in state at the State House with controlled public access.
The State Funeral will be held at Albert Park on Friday at 8.30am, followed by a final procession through Suva to Bau Island for traditional ceremonies and burial.
