The people of Dogoru will perform the traditional funeral rite of burua (a ceremony to mark end of burial obligations) in honour of the late flying instructor Iliesa Tawalo and student pilot Merelesita Lutu.
This was confirmed by the turaga-ni-koro of Dogoru Village, in Macuata, Semi Radradra.
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The people of Dogoru would also accord a traditional ceremony for the villagers who were part of the rescue team that assisted the Republic of Fiji Military Force and Fiji Police Force.
“The two died at Delaikoro and it is our duty to do something for them. We will do the rites after the bodies are extracted,” Mr Radradra said.
“It has been a really busy week for the village. The villagers have come together to help in any way possible.
“The men in the village assisted the soldiers and Police search for the crash site and the deceased. The women assisted in cooking.”
Mr Radradra said on Tuesday morning the conch shell was blown to marshall the villagers, and to inform them of their duties.
“Approximately 18 villagers took part in the rescue mission. Some went in the transport (provided transport) walked to the crash site when it was discovered,” he said.
“Villagers will never forget this incident because the plane crashed on our land. Two of our villagers were injured while they were searching for the crash site.
“One injured his knee while the other had to go for surgery because the hand he had injured was infected.
Edited by George Kulamaiwasa
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