The family of Laisenia Qarase will be leaving for Mavana in Vanuabalavu, Lau this afternoon

The family of the late former Prime Minister, Laisenia Qarase will be leaving for Mavana in Vanuabalavu, Lau this afternoon.

The Fijian Government is meeting the cost of the plane to carry the late Qarase and the ship to take the family members to Lau.

Commercial operator, Goundar Shipping is also putting up a special trip to Vanuabalavu today for mourners who would want to travel to the island. The company is offering a concession return fare of $100.

The family's spokesperson, Mesake Koroi says the family would depart today and the casket of the late former Prime Minister will be flown in a chartered aircraft to the island on Wednesday for burial.

The family of the late Qarase has confirmed that Qarase will be laid to rest in his village of Mavana.

Qarase served as a senator after being nominated by the Great Council of Chiefs.

Koroi said in a statement that one of Qarase’s final wishes could now be fulfilled following the government’s decision to relax inter-island travel restrictions.

Qarase was the country’s sixth Prime Minister from 2000 to 2006, and was also the chief of his village of Mavana, holding the title of Tui Kobuca.

He passed away at the Oceania Private Hospital in Suva last Tuesday after a short illness. He was 79.

He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Leba Qarase, seven children, 27 grandchildren and three great grandchildren.