The Water Wars Continue

Further to our earlier revelations about Fiji Water being in the cross-hairs of the illegal and treasonous regime, we now see a relatively new Ba entrant in the artesian water commodity sector, preparing for the limelight of supremacy.

Radio Fiji's story showcases that Dayal is alleging that another Korean company in this sector (read: competitor) is being subjected to the same legal tricks that Fiji Water had to endure in 2008.

This Jay Dayal chap, and indeed his family, seems to have a long history in Fiji's extractive sector, and Mr Dayal was also recently fingered in the recent hardwood crisis.

Check out the frivolous claim for yourself:

Island Chill accuses KRC of stealing bottle design
Monday, May 23, 2011

The rift between local bottler Island Chill and the Korea Resort Company over a water source in Tavua has taken a sudden twist, with the local company accusing KRC of stealing their bottle design.

Last week Jay Dayal, Director of Island Chill told FBC News they were contemplating legal action against KRC for allegedly encroaching on their water catchment zone and drilling boreholes without proper approvals.

This morning Dayal told FBC News the bore holes had been sealed off but recent developments suggested that KRC allegedly used Island Chill’s bottle design and water in Brussels, Belgium to win an award earlier this year.

Dayal says the bottle shape is a trademark design of Island Chill and no approval of its use was given to Korean Resort Company by Dayals.

He says the bottle also bears the name “FIJI” exactly as on the Fiji Water bottle – alleging that it even infringes on Fiji Water’s trademark.

Dayal goes on to allege that the KRC label even has Island Chill’s barcode.

He says Island Chill will do all it can to ensure the issue is dealt with and to prevent local investors from being exploited. Attempts are underway to get a comment from KRC.

Report by: Roland Koroi