Samoa is making preparations for a state funeral for one of the country's two deputy heads of state, Tuiloma Pule Lameko, who died on Monday at the Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital.
Tuiloma Pula Lameko [on the left] being sworn in as a deputy head of state alongisde Le Mamea Ropati Photo: RNZI/Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia
The 83 year old was one of Samoa's longest serving politicians and public servants, having entered parliament in 1979.
He was appointed a deputy by Parliament in January 2016 along with former MP, Le Mamea Ropati Mualia.
Tuiloma was a cabinet minister in the government of Tofilau Eti Alesana and that of the current prime minister Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi.
He is also a former president of the Samoa Rugby Union.