24 May 2010

Injunction sought over Fiji resort

12:04 pm on 24 May 2010

The owner of a resort in Fiji is seeking a court injunction against his bank which has temporarily forced the resort to close.

The Lagoon Resort in Pacific Harbour shut down 16 days ago, after the government-controlled, Fiji Development Bank posted military officers on the property.

The action is the result of a mortgage dispute between resort owners Jim and Heather Sherlock of New Zealand, and the bank.

Mr Sherlock says the bank did not serve him with papers to take over the resort, which is why the matter is before the courts.

He says eight military officers are still based on the property and blocking people from entering.

Mr Sherlock says the bank's action has meant he's had to put off 25 staff, while it has also disrupted bookings.

The Fiji Development Bank has declined to comment.