Banabans’ court
p. 35 · Read in the full issue
case closes
Mr Justice Megarry of the British High Court has reserved his decision in the claim by the Banabans for more than £stg2l million in additional royalties from the British Phosphate Com missioners.
The case was heard in two parts.
The first, which started in April, 1975, was against the BPC and the UK Government. In this, the Banabans claimed the right to have Ocean Island replanted with food bearing trees and shrubs, which would enable them to return there from Rabi in Fiji, and build up a viable fishing economy.
The second part was the £stg2l million-plus claim against the BPC. During the hearing Mr Justice Megarry made a visit to Ocean Island. The hearing lasted 221 working days. The judge may give his judgment in September.