VANCOUVER, WASHINGTON--JULY 11, 2000--On July 11 (Fiji Time), indigenous Fijians
from the village of Naisisili in Fiji's Yasawa
Islands came onto Turtle Island and reopened a century-old claim to its ownership
based on a dispute of a freehold land grant. The Naisisili group is using Fiji's
recent political unrest and the existing short-term amnesty as an opportune
time to pursue its historical land claim of Turtle Island, home to thefive-star,
award-winning Turtle Island Resort.
The group has occupied the island while negotiations regarding land rights
issues are underway with Turtle Island's managing director,
Richard Evanson, and general manager, Rob Besford. There has been no violence,
and the villagers are believed to be unarmed. Nevertheless, details of the situation
are incomplete, and communication with the island is sporadic.
Reflecting the paramount importance of its guests' safety and well being, Turtle
Island Resort arranged for all guests to leave the island early
on July 12 (Fiji Time) aboard the Mystique Princess, a luxury cruise ship operated
by Blue Lagoon Cruises. All 45 guests -- from Australia, the U.S., New Zealand
and the U.K. -- were cared for with kindness and consideration. All guests are
safely aboard the cruise ship en route to the main island of Viti Levu.
Turtle Island staff members on Viti Levu will handle further travel arrangements
for all resort guests to meet their individual needs.
Turtle Island, renowned as the location of the "Blue Lagoon" movies,
is one of Fiji's most prestigious resorts.
Andrew Fairley, a member of the resort's Board of Directors, learned of the
situation in a brief telephone call soon after the villagers' arrival
on the island.
All reports indicate the situation was peaceful and non-violent. No guests
or staff were harmed in any way, and no one was held against
their will. It appears that the events on Turtle Island have occurred at this
time to take advantage of the amnesty -- scheduled to end on July 13 (Fiji Time)
-- which has been granted to Fijian rebel George Speight and his supporters.
Turtle Island Holidays is currently contacting the families of the guests and
continues to obtain and disseminate information from the island
as it becomes available.
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last revision July 13, 2000