29 Aug 2017

Former president to stand trial in New Caledonia

7:19 am on 29 August 2017

A former New Caledonian president Harold Martin is to stand trial next month over an alleged conflict of interest in a land sale.

Four years ago, judges in Noumea put Mr Martin under formal investigation over the 2008 rezoning of land, which he and his siblings had sold in Paita a year earlier.

The rezoning to clear the land for a commercial development was approved by Mr Martin in his capacity as mayor of Paita.

He said it was his right to sell the land, which had been in the family since 1860.

Noumea's daily newspaper reported the trial is scheduled to start on September 15.

Victor Tutugoro, Harold Martin, Frank Bainimarama, Leo Dion.

Victor Tutugoro, Harold Martin, Frank Bainimarama, Leo Dion. Photo: RNZI / Johnny Blades