Fiji’s Director of Immigration Amelia Komaisavai has officially written to Dr Padma Lal – the wife of the late Professor Brij Lal – notifying her of the Government’s approval to return to her motherland.
Dr Lal had been prevented from coming to Fiji with her husband’s ashes for them to be taken to his birth-place at Tabia, near Labasa.
December 25 marked the first anniversary of Professor Lal’s passing.
In the letter, Ms Komaisavai said: “It is a privilege and honour to inform you that you and your family members are free to travel to Fiji with the ashes of your late husband Dr Brij Lal and when you so wish.”
She further wrote: “The Immigration Department and the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service will facilitate your entry upon arrival. Kindly let us know your itinerary to ensure that all immigration and customs services are properly in place prior to your arrival.”
“Prime Minister Honourable Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka assures you that your late husband’s ashes will be taken to his birth-place at Tabia, near Labasa.”
In a statement yesterday, Mr Rabuka said the Government would ensure Dr Lal and exiled USP vice-chancellor Prof Pal Ahluwalia were allowed to come back to Fiji, and he would apologise to them on behalf of the Fijian people.
