People have started to arrive to pay their last respects to the late Lau Ratu Finau Mara at the Stella Maris Convent Chapel

People have started to arrive to pay their last respects to the late Lau chief and former government minister and diplomat, Ratu Finau Mara at Stella Maris Convent Chapel.

From 9am to 10am today, 10 people will be allowed in at a time at 5-minute intervals.

Women from Lau are seen sitting on the side of the road as a sign of respect to the eldest son of the late Tui Nayau and Tui Lau, former Prime Minister and President, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara and the late Adi Lady Lala Mara the Radini Nayau and Marama Bale Na Roko Tui Dreketi.

The chiefly abode arrived at the chapel in the last hour.

The thanksgiving service will be held behind closed doors from 10am to 11am today with only immediate family members at the Stella Maris Convent Chapel in Suva.

Ratu Finau will be laid to rest at the chiefly burial ground at Lomanikoro, Rewa and due to COVID-19 restrictions and traditional protocols the traditional burial ceremony will be closed to outsiders.

Ratu Finau who was 60 years old, passed away last Wednesday.

Ratu Finau is survived by his wife Vitinia Buadromo, his two children Ratu Salesi Kinikinilau Mara and Adi Lawerua Mara, his four sisters and one brother, one son-in-law and two grandchildren, Taru and Salesi Dauni.

Stay with us for coverage of the funeral of the late Ratu Finau Mara.