DELEGATIONS from villages around the island of Vanua Balavu continue to converge at Mavana village this morning as final touches take place for the final funeral rites of the former Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase.
More than 1000 people will converge in the village this morning to farewell Mr Qarase who used to chair the development initiatives of the island.
Naivaka, the Qarase residence and the chiefly seat of the Tui Kobuca has been decorated with fine Tongan mats fit for a king and masi kuvui which is brown smoked tapa associated with royalty.
Women from villages on the island have been keeping vigil at the Qarase homestead from yesterday.
Meanwhile Etuate Tevita the nephew of the late Mr Qarase told this newspaper that his uncles casket will rest for a while at his residence of Naivaka before it would be taken to church for a final service before the final rites at the specially prepared tomb just beside the village of Mavana.
A feast of more that 100 cattles would be up today to cater for mourners on the island.
