Laucala in a class of its own

15/1/2008 - www.sun.com.fj

The Laucala Island Resort project is the biggest in this part of the world, says Interim Defence Minister Ratu Epeli Ganilau.

Ratu Epeli said his assessment was based on feedbacks he had received. "Recently, two of my overseas friends who had visited Laucala told me that they have not seen anything like it before," the Cakaudrove chief said.

"Already, the huge project is benefitting locals in terms of employment and sale of food like root crops. "Farmers in Taveuni and other parts of Vanua Levu are already supplying dalo, cassava and rourou to the island on weekly basis to feed the huge workforce."

Ratu Epeli said the island had a 700-strong workforce comprising locals and expatriates.
Indonesian workers he said went to Naqara on Taveuni in Yaqara to do their Saturday shopping.
"The Indonesians are here to carve the marble gates, which is a difficult task that requires only specialists."
Ratu Epeli pointed out Laucala Island's previous owner millionaire Malcolm Forbes had constructed an airstrip on the island which was now being extended to accommodate bigger aircrafts.