The site of Fiji’s first casino, currently under construction, near Denarau Island, Nadi. Photo: Litia Mathewsell.
Additional Information:
TULALIP News, Indian country today
International reports have emerged that the Snoqualmie Tribe of Washington, USA, has filed a law suit against those responsible for the construction of Fiji’s first casino.
The law suit is to recover the US$1.5 million that was allegedly invested by the Snoqualmie Tribe plus interest and other fees in the casino project for which One Hundred Sands was issued the exclusive license in December 2011.
Tulalip News reported that the lawsuit names Larry Claunch and three of his business entities associated with the Fijian project as defendants.
The report said the suit claims Mr Claunch promised to repay the US$1.5 million, plus interest, by February 2012.
Snoqualmie Tribe chairwoman Carolyn Lubenau told Indian Country Today: “We have been trying for months to recover the US$1.5 million without having to file suit.
“But no one responded to the tribe’s demand. The note is past due and must be repaid in full.
“Snoqualmie Tribal Council’s primary job is to protect the welfare of the Tribe and the Snoqualmie people.
“Our goal with this lawsuit is to recover the money that was loaned to Mr Claunch so that it can be used to benefit our Tribal members here at home.”
In response to this, Mr Claunch said the Snoqualmie Tribe has withdrawn from the Casino Project and claimed they have significantly damaged the project and at times jeopardised the success of the project.
“However, Mr Manning and I have the Project moving forward,” he said.
“We are looking to work out a resolution with the tribe that does not impair the project or result in any more delays.
“While we are optimistic that a resolution with the tribe is likely, we are not going to take any actions that will impair the project.
“The success of the project is our sole focus and we will not be distracted by the claims of the Snoqualmie Tribe.”
Background and progress
Snoqualmie Tribe decided to pull out of the casino construction project noting the slow start to the project.
It wasn’t until later in April that One Hundred Sands finally showed signs of progress work on the construction site which is outside Denarau Island in Nadi.
However, our latest observation is that the earthworks are now halted and no works are being carried out at present.
It is understood there will be a press conference called by the government on the issue of the casino this week.
Hundred Sands Development
Time-line
- Mid-2011 – the Snoqualmie Tribe- which has been involved in American casino operations- was approached by Larry Claunch’s One Hundred Sands Corporation. It said it was asked to invest US$1.5 million in the developer’s FJ$290 million luxury resort and casino in Fiji.
- Plans called for a destination casino on Denarau Island and potentially building a second casino at Suva.
- February 2012 – Mr Claunch on behalf of One Hundred Sands allegedly issued a promissory note that guaranteed it would repay the tribe US$1.5 million, plus interest, by February 2, 2012. When the project was slow to start, the tribe pulled out of the deal with developer One Hundred Sands, which is headquartered in Fiji and has an exclusive 15-year gaming license to be the only casino operator in Fiji.
- On May 27, 2014, the Snoqualmie Tribe filed a lawsuit in King County Superior Court in Washington State seeking its US$1.5 million, plus interest and other fees.
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