Ratu Epeli was the Chief of everyone - Ro Jone Kalouniwai

Na Gone Marama Bale na Roko Tui Dreketi, Ro Teimumu Kepa, led the Burebasaga Confederacy as they presented their ireguregu to the late former President and Gone Turaga Bale nai Taukei Naisogolaca, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, at State House.

The delegation, representing the provinces of Ba, Nadroga-Navosa, Rewa, Kadavu, Namosi, and Serua, gathered in a powerful show of unity and respect during this time of mourning.

Presenting a tabua on behalf of the Confederacy, RFMF Commander and Rewa Chief, Major General Ro Jone Logavatu Kalouniwai, said Ratu Epeli was well known for his great leadership and humour, and that it is a sad day for the nation.

He says they will no longer hear him sing “Sisili mai Wainadoi,” and that the horse betting houses will miss his presence.

Kalouniwai says he was a great leader and chief to everyone.

Ro Teimumu conveyed her appreciation to the vanua of Kubuna and reaffirmed their support to the chiefly family.

She described the passing of Ratu Epeli as a great loss to the nation, honouring his leadership and lifelong service to the people of Fiji.

She says they honour his service, his leadership, and his unwavering commitment to the people of Fiji, and that his legacy will continue to guide them.

Also present were the Taukei Nabukebuke, Turaga na Tui Namosi, Ratu Suliano Matanitobua; the Vunivalu of Serua, Ratu Tevita Latianara; the Turaga na Tui Tavuki; and the vanua o Nakuruvakarua vua na Turaga na Ka Levu na Tui Nadroga.

The ireguregu will continue today with the Lomaiviti Province delegation presenting at 12pm, followed by the Ministry of Health HIV/AIDS Board at 1pm, and then the Republic of Fiji Military Forces at 2pm.

Macuata Province will present at 3pm, followed by the Defence Club and the Tongan Speaker of Parliament at 4pm, the Province of Naitasiri at 4.30pm, and the Province of Ba at 5pm.

The Reserve Bank of Fiji will present at 5.30pm, the BSP Group at 6pm, the Mataqali Navisere at 6.30pm, and the Fiji Teachers Association at 7pm.

Tomorrow, Ratu Epeli’s cortege will depart Oceania Hospital at 6am and will be escorted by ceremonial guards of the RFMF to State House.

Members of the public are encouraged to stand along the route and pay their respects.

The cortege will pass through Waimanu Road, Mark Street, Usher Street, Scott Street, Victoria Parade, and Queen Elizabeth Drive.

At State House, the late President will lie in state, with members of the public invited to pay their final respects from 8.30am to 8pm.

Attendance will be in controlled groups under managed entry and exit arrangements, and members of the public are required to register with the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs.

On Friday, the State Funeral service will be held at Albert Park at 8.30am, followed by the final procession through Suva to Bau Island, where he will be laid to rest at the sacred burial ground, the Sau Tabu.