Qarase To Be Laid To Rest In Mavana

The possibility of burying former Prime Minister, Laisenia Qarase, in Viti Levu has not been ruled out.

This is because there is no confirmation if the funeral procession would be allowed to go to Mavana in Vanuabalavu.

Mr Qarase died, aged 79, at the Oceania Private Hospital on Tuesday morning after a short illness.

Mesake Koroi, the spokesperson for the late Turaga na Tui Kobuca Laisenia Qarase, said they had made their intentions known that Mr Qarase had wished to be buried in Mavana.

He said they have to be mindful of the current restrictions in place because of the COVID-19 situation.

He said currently gathering by close family members is being done in line with Ministry of Health requirements.

According to Mr Koroi, the Government has its prerogatives.

Mr Qarase is survived by his wife Leba, seven children, 26 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Mr Qarase served as Fiji’s sixth Prime Minister, first as the interim Prime Minister from 2000 to 2001 and then was elected to office from 2001 to 2006 after being nominated by the Great Council of Chiefs.

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