THE deep personal bonds of the late Ratu Epeli Nailatikau were on full display yesterday as the chiefly island of Bau transitioned from rain to sunshine for his final homecoming.
Students from Bau District School sat solemnly on both sides of the pavement, providing a guard of honour for their chief.
The atmosphere was thick with emotion as mourners crowded the grounds to witness the late former president’s final journey to the vatanitawake.
The international reach of Ratu Epeli’s lineage was marked by the presence of Tongan royalty, His Majesty King Tupou VI, Princess Salote Pilolevu and the Tongan delegation who travelled to the island.
As the sun emerged through previously grey skies, it appeared to many present as a final, divine tribute to the Na Turaga Na Taukei Naisogolaca.
Rishikul College students sit in respect during the State funeral procession of the late Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, through Nasinu yesterday. Picture: ELIKI NUKUTABU
