Govt to finalise State funeral cost

Government is finalising the budget for the State funeral of former President, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau.

Ministry of Defence permanent secretary Mason Smith said the Government was revising the budget, which was yet to be finalised by the Ministry of Finance.

This masthead understands that funds will be sourced from government ministries.

Initially, the budget came to about $800,000.

However, this is being revised to reduce the cost, possibly to around $300,000.

In 2004, the budget for the State funeral of the late President and Prime Minister, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, was estimated to cost a little over $1 million.

The military-led State funeral for Ratu Epeli will take place at Suva’s Albert Park on Friday morning, before his body is taken to his final resting place on Bau Island.

A Tongan delegation, including members of the royal family, is expected to pay their respects on Thursday at the State House.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka led a full Government delegation yesterday in presenting the traditional reguregu.