Iririki Island Holdings Ltd (IIHL) has issued a formal clarification following recent media reports that linked the closure of Jewel Casino to the resort and alleged non-payment of staff entitlements.

According to the company, Jewel Casino Ltd was a business fully owned and operated by Messrs Darren and Shane Pettiona and Peter Stockley, who made the independent decision to close the casino and cease business operations early in 2024.

In its statement, IIHL emphasized that the closure of the casino was not a decision made by the resort or its new management. The company explained that the move by Jewel Casino Ltd to stop operations resulted in a breach of its lease agreement with IIHL, which had granted the business permission to use the casino premises on Iririki Island.

“They then left the country and allegedly failed to pay the debts of Jewel Casino Ltd, including former employees,” the company’s statement read.

IIHL stressed that Iririki Island Resort, under its new ownership and management, had no role in the decision to close the casino and bears no responsibility for any outstanding payments or staff entitlements owed by the previous owners of Jewel Casino Ltd.

The company said it released the clarification to ensure the public and media understand that the casino was a separately owned entity and that the resort’s operations remain unaffected under its new management structure.

IIHL reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to maintaining transparent communication and ensuring that Iririki Island Resort continues to operate as one of Vanuatu’s premier hospitality destinations.

Photo credits: Iririki Island Resort & Spa Vanuatu