The state funeral for Member of the Council of Deputies, Tuiloma Pule Lameko, has gotten underway at Tuana’imato.

His body has arrived at the makeshift Parliament complex where the formalities have started. 

The Head of State, His Highness Tuimaleali’ifano Sualauvi II, Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, Cabinet Ministers and Members of Parliament have arrived to pay their respects.

Since Wednesday, the national flag has been flying at half mast to honour the passing of Tuiloma.

He died at the Moto’otua Hospital two weeks ago. He was 83.

A national holiday has been declared for today, when the nation will pause to pay tribute and remember the life of the longserving public servant.

He will be laid to rest at his Alafua residence, this afternoon.

Rest of the programme today:

10.40am: Guests seated for the State Funeral Service in the Parliament House – Tuanaimato.

10.50am: Hon Member of the Council of Deputies arrives.

Hon Prime Minister and Hon Cabinet Ministers arrive.

His Honour the Chief Justice arrives.

Hon Speaker of the House arrives.

10.55am: His Highness the Head of State arrives

11.00am: State Funeral Service commences, led by the Council of Churches in Samoa. 

Followed by the flag folding ceremony to be conducted by Police.

12.00noon: Police escort funeral procession to the burial site – Tuiloma’s residence at Alafua.

12.15pm: Burial ceremony followed by the Police gun salute.

1.00pm: Lunch at Gym 3 (Food Court) Tuanaimato.