The village of Naduri will host the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, David John Hurley and his wife, Linda Hurley today.

A first for Naduri, the high level delegation will be accompanied by the President, Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere and first lady, Filomena Katonivere.

The visit is part of strengthening bilateral ties between the Fijian and Australian Governments through their Vuvale partnership.

Village headman, Isireli Rokomina Waqatabu, said the historical visit would live on in the memories of every individual in their village.

“First of all, I want to thank our President for inviting the esteemed guests to our humble surroundings,” he said.

“It’s a proud moment for our village.”

Preparations

Mr Waqatabu said preparations for the high level delegation visit were progressing well.

“We will have a last prayer session tonight in the village to seek final blessings from the God Almighty to host a successful function for the Governor-General,” he said.

He said the villagers had prepared traditional dances (meke), songs and a traditional welcoming ceremony would be accorded.

Since Monday, he said, a team from the Republic of Military Forces (RFMF) have been helping them in the preparations.

“The RFMF personnel helped us to mow the compound, and our villagers cleaned the drains and carried out rubbish collection,” he said.

The villagers also cleaned the President’s house and landscaped the compound.

The function will start at 10: 30am.

The village is located 15 kilometres away from Labasa Town.

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