It was interesting browsing through a popular Fiji on-line forum and I was struck by a question by one of our veteran freedom advocates who was interested in purchasing an Island in Fiji for $500.
The satirical replies given to the question were as though :
a. It was impossible and
b. That no one had done it before.
We don't normally delve into the inner workings of our land system for obvious reasons of privilege and confidentiality but there is an answer that could be given using public information, to cite just ONE example of the many many instances where entities have, are and will do just that.
In fact, it is cheaper to buy an Island in Fiji then to either lease or purchase an average home in between the Nasinu Nausori Corridor. Shocking isn't it?
The example wherein you can purchase a whole island in Fiji for 99 years and pay less then FJ$500 per month in rent to the NLTB is a luxurious resort known as the Royal Davui. Most of you will know who controls this island and if you wish to take the time and spend a few lousy dollars at the Lands and Tittles Office you will see for yourself that the monthly rent is around FJ$300+.
Yes I know some of you smart ones will be thinking about other revenue streams to the landowners such as equity in the business, employment etc etc, but the commercial reality is that there is no other benefit. I have to admit though there was an advance payment of around FJ$70k but it doesn't take a genius to figure out that you can obtain 100% finance for that in any event, after all you are buying an island for goodness sakes, its not some 800 sq ft piece of dirt in the never-lands.
Now if a local wished to stay at this lovely resort you would have to cough up FJ$2,409 PER NIGHT or more precisely FJ$14,454 for the standard 6 Nights and you get the 7th night FOC.
This my friends is standard operating procedure in the Banana Republic of the Fiji Islands, if you know where to look...
But not to worry why believe me aye, check for yourself.
