Date published: 01.09.08 - not release date

FIJIAN CHIEF'S SPOKESMAN COMES TO ENGLAND TO SEE HIS ISLAND ON BBC2

Ulai Baya, 40, is the nephew and spokesman of Tui Mali, a landowner and chief in the South Pacific, whose Island has become the subject of a 21st century experiment currently being shown on the BBC documentary Paradise or Bust.

Ulai grew up on Vorovoro Island, a small mile long outcrop of jungle, cliffs and sand in northern Fiji. His father encouraged him to leave the island after primary school and further his education. Ulai completed degree's in Fiji and Australia before coming to Humberside to do a masters in international law.

Years later Ulai returned home to tell his story to his uncle, the chief. They decided that Vorovoro should be shared with the world and placed an advert on the internet for a tourism lease. Three months later Ben Keene and Mark Bowness, 26 year olds from the UK, landed on Vorovoro's beach and Tribewanted begun.

Paradise or Bust follows the 1st year of this unique 21st century experiment, bringing Tribewanted's online community and Ulai's ancient Fijian tribe together. The idea is to build an eco village and a new community on Vorovoro but they face conflict, fire, a cyclone and even a military coup.

Ulai and Ben work together as representatives for their respective communities to try and build this new kind of tourism venture. It is a big risk for Ulai and his family as they are putting their community’s reputation on the line. In 2009 it will be his uncle's decision as to whether the lease should be renewed and the internet tribe will be allowed to remain in Ulai's back garden.

Why did Ulai think inviting the world onto his quiet island home would be a good idea? Why did he choose to work with two boys with no money and an untested idea? How has the project worked so far and what does the future look like for his island and traditional tribal community?

ULAI & BEN ARE AVIALABLE FOR MEDIA INTERVIEWS PLEASE CONTACT Andy@10yetis.co.uk or call 01452 527898

For more info about Paradise or Bust and Tribewanted visit www.tribewanted.com

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Editors Notes:

For more info visit Andy, 10 Yetis Public Relations Agency, andy@10yetis.co.uk, 01452 527898