THE village of Mavana in Vanuabalavu, Lau Group will bid farewell to one of its own sons, former prime minister Laisenia Qarase today.
The 79-year-old passed away at the Oceania Private Hospital in Suva last week, following a short illness.
Mr Qarase was Fiji’s sixth prime minister from 2000 to 2006.
His casket, accompanied by his wife, Leba Qarase on board, an airplane arranged by Government will arrive at the airstrip in Malaka this morning.
It will then be escorted to Mavana village, where it will rest for an hour at his home “Navaka” before it is then proceeded to church.
He will be laid to rest in a tomb near the village.
Close relative Etuate Tevita said the village was set to host more than 1000 mourners who would be attending the funeral.
He said villagers from across the island have contributed to the funeral arrangements with fine mats and food.
He said Qarase was a humble man and one who contributed to the development of Vanuabalavu.
He said men from the village would be blowing corn shell as a symbol for the passing of a chief.
More than 10 journalists from media organisations are on the island covering the funeral.
He is survived by his wife, Leba Qarase, seven children, 26 grand children and three great-grandchildren.
