NADROGA chief and former politician Ratu Osea Gavidi will be buried on April 22.
According to family members, Ratu Osea’s funeral has been pushed to a later date because his home village of Cuvu will play host to a regional event next week.
Ratu Osea passed away at the Suva Private Hospital last Friday following a short illness.
The 71-year-old is survived by his five children.
Spokesman Ilami Wainiqolo said while funeral arrangements were already progressing, villagers were also preparing to host the first-ever Pacific Health Ministers Meeting on April 15 to 17.
He said it was decided at meeting on Monday the funeral be held on April 22 .
“We’ve already started with preparations for the event and it’s too late to move it to another date,” Mr Wainiqolo said.
He said traditional protocols had also been followed in light of Ratu Osea’s death.
The Pacific Health Ministers Meeting will be opened by Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama.
