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Islanders against sale of island to Mel Gibson
By Christine Khan
Mago Island, Fiji (eTurboNews) -- A group of villagers, who claim to be the original owners of Mago Island, have condemned its sale for $24.7 million to Hollywood action hero Mel Gibson.
Gibson bought Mago Island, in the Lau Group, following a personal visit more than a week ago.
But Namalata Development Council chairman Timoci Waqalevu said in The Fiji Times that the island was declared freehold property after his forefathers settled an unfair transaction that took place with cotton planters in the early 1800s.
Waqalevu said the planters gave the villagers 2000 coconuts and intimidated them with guns before chasing them out.
He said after living on Namalata Island, Ratu Sukuna Lalabalavu, officially gave the island to his people, who were stateless.
He said while more than 200 people lived on the 50 square-acre island there was constant disputes over gardening areas because there was a lack of proper cultivation land.
He said during festive seasons families who lived in the cities could not return home because there was no room on the island to accommodate them.
Waqalevu said the village had very few educated people who could take their concerns up with relevant authorities.
He told The Fiji Times he had discussions at some levels and hoped the island would be given to his people until Gibson bought it.
Gibson jetted into the country earlier this month with his wife and two children to inspect the 5411-acre tropical island.
English planter Rupert Ryder bought the island soon after the original natives were removed until it was sold in 1930 to copra farmer, Jim Borron.
In 1985, Borron sold the island to international hotel developer Tokyu Corp for $6 million.
Waqalevu said the villagers were relying on the Fiji government’s assistance because they could not afford the huge price the island was being sold for.
He said the villagers had planned to set up a project on the island that would generate income to pay off their debt to government.
When contacted yesterday, Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase said he had already been interviewed by a journalist on the subject and did not wish to repeat himself.
Lands Minister Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu referred all questions to his chief executive officer Niumaia Tabunakawai, who could not reached for comment.
Waqalevu said the stories of the coconut deal were passed from generation to generation and it was time their concerns were heard.
He said the sale of Mago Island was just one example of how many islands that were declared freehold during the 1800s were being sold without the knowledge of its original landowners.
http://www.travelwirenews.com/cgi-script/csArticles/articles/000025/002570.htm
Islanders against sale of island to Mel Gibson
By Christine Khan
Mago Island, Fiji (eTurboNews) -- A group of villagers, who claim to be the original owners of Mago Island, have condemned its sale for $24.7 million to Hollywood action hero Mel Gibson.
Gibson bought Mago Island, in the Lau Group, following a personal visit more than a week ago.
But Namalata Development Council chairman Timoci Waqalevu said in The Fiji Times that the island was declared freehold property after his forefathers settled an unfair transaction that took place with cotton planters in the early 1800s.
Waqalevu said the planters gave the villagers 2000 coconuts and intimidated them with guns before chasing them out.
He said after living on Namalata Island, Ratu Sukuna Lalabalavu, officially gave the island to his people, who were stateless.
He said while more than 200 people lived on the 50 square-acre island there was constant disputes over gardening areas because there was a lack of proper cultivation land.
He said during festive seasons families who lived in the cities could not return home because there was no room on the island to accommodate them.
Waqalevu said the village had very few educated people who could take their concerns up with relevant authorities.
He told The Fiji Times he had discussions at some levels and hoped the island would be given to his people until Gibson bought it.
Gibson jetted into the country earlier this month with his wife and two children to inspect the 5411-acre tropical island.
English planter Rupert Ryder bought the island soon after the original natives were removed until it was sold in 1930 to copra farmer, Jim Borron.
In 1985, Borron sold the island to international hotel developer Tokyu Corp for $6 million.
Waqalevu said the villagers were relying on the Fiji government’s assistance because they could not afford the huge price the island was being sold for.
He said the villagers had planned to set up a project on the island that would generate income to pay off their debt to government.
When contacted yesterday, Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase said he had already been interviewed by a journalist on the subject and did not wish to repeat himself.
Lands Minister Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu referred all questions to his chief executive officer Niumaia Tabunakawai, who could not reached for comment.
Waqalevu said the stories of the coconut deal were passed from generation to generation and it was time their concerns were heard.
He said the sale of Mago Island was just one example of how many islands that were declared freehold during the 1800s were being sold without the knowledge of its original landowners.
http://www.travelwirenews.com/cgi-script/csArticles/articles/000025/002570.htm
The anti-social ones go to Canada. 
