The funeral gathering for the Marama Bale Tui Labasa, Adi Salanieta Tuilomaloma Qomate Ritova, will begin on Wednesday.

Adi Salanieta, 86, died at the Labasa Hospital after a short illness.

This was confirmed by a close family member who said the reguregu would be held at their family residence at Nasekula Village.

It is understood her body will rest overnight at their residence before she is finally laid to rest at the sautabu (chiefly burial ground) on Friday.

She was described as a down to earth and approachable by those who knew her.

Fiji Taxi Association President in Labasa Mahend Prasad said: “She was a very nice lady. She was at the Fiji Sugar Corporation office in Labasa, when I joined the Ministry of Agriculture.

“She was very happy person and easy to talk to. We never knew she was from a chiefly family because she was down to earth and very approachable.

“Labasa has lost a great leader. The Fiji Taxi Association in Labasa sends their condolences to the family.”

Adi Salanieta is survived by a son, three grandchildren and eight grandchildren.

She is a member of the Qomate family from the mataqali Waisavulu in Nasekula Village, Labasa.

She was installed as Tui Labasa in 2008 after she succeeded her younger brother Ratu Joeli Tinai Ritova.

Adi Salanieta was employed at the Fiji Sugar Corporation office in Labasa for many years. Edited by Ranoba Baoa

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