Cloudbreak

comment by Anonymous, 2010-02-04 20:40:54

The Facts
The comments below show a complete lack of understanding of the situation. With 99 year leases the true owners cannot resume ownership at the expiration of a lease unless they pay the current value of the improvements to the land.

On the coral coast the major resorts are on native title leashold. If the villages want their land back they pay for all of the infrastructure on that land.

A small resort on the Coral Coast recently sold for 20M$. If the local village wanted it back then they pay 20m$. Same with cloudbreak. Call it leasehold. It is a lease that can never be broken - Unless the "owners" come up with millions, the lease continued.

In Vanuatu there was an island for sale for millions. The lease was for a few hundred dollars per year. The locals tried to argue that during the 1960's the chief gave the lease for a few quick drinking dollars. No independent legal advice. No percentage increase per year.

Let me guess "Honeymooner" you are from the USA and you have justified the situation to yourself. Don't try and justify the sitaution because you cannot.

The leases are worth F*&^ all. The true owners will never take possession of their ancestral lands ever again.

Comments like the one below show either ignorance or an attempt to self-justify.


If you are a genuine surfer who cares for local people dont take part in this evil set up.

comment by Anonymous, 2010-01-09 01:56:06

i was lucky enough to honeymoon on tavarua in 1989. my wife and i were the only guests, i was the only surfer there apart from 2 american guys who were the guides.had it between 4&8ft and it was epic...all to ourselves. sorry to gloat..but man it was special.if i had one tip, it would be to wear booties.

to the dr asking about ownership...as far as i'm aware only the local tribes can lay claim to reefs and land areas. they lease them out on 99yr contracts, so the only ones who actually 'own' anything are the local tribes people.

comment by Johnny, 2009-02-22 12:07:52

Angry Seppos
I surfed cloudbreak 7 days a week in the early nineties.We stayed at seashells and travelled by boat from momi bay.Even back then we were hassled and threatened with violence from rich seppos coming over surfing it when tavarua wasnt firing.We figured they were bitter from paying big money for staying on tavarua and having to surf cloudbreak with guys who were paying 20 bux a night in seashell cove.Glad i havnt been back...seems a total joke now...Dont worry boys its a good wave but not epic...ive had better waves in Oz...and over sand bottom to boot.Let the rich seppos have it to themselves....birds of a feather flock together.