Company Press Release
July 12, 2000
VANCOUVER, WA -- 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 the five-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 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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Contact:
Turtle Island Holidays
Alda Picadash, 360-256-4347 (U.S.)
Andrew Fairley, 613-9657-4371 (Australia)
or
Rodin & Shelley Associates
Jill Matousek Turner, 415/346-7300