The suspension was in 2018.
This is some of what I wrote in my first submission;
The host did attempt an explanation as to his delisting but to no avail and has no access to his login now.
I have been to over a hundred homestays but this one, [XXX] is very very special.
It is not just a homestay, run by Bill, his wife Bolla, son Jim and daughter Sarah, it is also a village stay. It's delisting was devastating to the community, as told to me by the chief, Sakara, and others, as when guests arrive Bill uses people from the village to help on the snorkelling, shark diving tours etc.
Starting on Airbnb in 2016, Bill was a superhost by 2018 which is no mean feat as no other homestays in that area have that status.
The village has a population of 150 and they all related and marry within the group. Remarkably very few leave. It is very isolated with limited transport (only via shared village boats).
As told to us by Bill and others, in August 2018, a NZ lady was picked up on the ferry Flyer and stayed 2 nights only. Between 7 and 8 am, she heard two men talking loudly outside the home (she was inside and did not see them), and complained to Bill. He apologised and thought the matter closed. She protested to Airbnb.
Bill received a call from Airbnb and said yes, two people had talked outside the home, and again thought it not consequential. He was delisted, despite offering a refund and further apologies.
What was not understood is that behind Bill's house is the communal plantation where families have subplots. The only access is the path outside Bill's house, which is exactly 11 metres from the door (see photo attached, three people are on the path including Bill, with the door to the right after the thatched roof).
The two men on that morning were Thomas and Apex (both Bill's cousins) , who went up to the planation to work. They were doing what the locals call dissing, friendly banter/stirring between cousins. It was directed only to themselves, was totally unthreatening and a good distance from the home. Note that Thomas and Apex still reside in the community.
In the four days we were there, we only saw a couple of boys come down the path after picking guavas. They gave us several of the fruit which were great. If you live in a community you should expect some interaction, of course non threatening.
The irony is this home is the quietist in the village, being above and to the edge of the village. We only heard birds during our stay. That is what is most puzzling to everyone, the homestay is super quiet and the hosts and locals are utterly unthreatening.
The chief invited us to the good Friday church service and the following feast (pictures attached). As stated, it is not just a homestay but also a village immersion. Sakara reiterated the importance of the homestay in bringing in income, as they only have fishing, the plantation (mainly cassava and banana). During covid they were reduced to bartering food.
I respectively ask a reconsideration of the delisting on behalf of the community and Bill. Not only is Airbnb missing out on outstanding listing, but I believe Bill Vatu, one of the many chief's sons, and the whole community in general, was over penalised and deserve a second chance.
A solution would be have a line description of the community pathway and perhaps a probationary period if that is possible.
I am a professional historian, researcher and writer.
Geoff 9:04 AM
Further, the homestay has only 5 star reviews on google reviews. Here is the latest from March 2022 (Paula's fijian name is Bolla). They stayed a month with their 7 year old going to the school;
Julia Szuster
5/5
a month ago on Google
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to our hosts Bill and Paula for their incredibly generous hospitality. Bill, Paula, their family and their community and welcomed us with open arms into the best experience we could have asked for during our trip in Fiji.
They provided us with everything we needed, from the mosquito net to the shower that ran with beautiful spring water. The house itself is a few steps up the hill away from the main hub of the village, so we had an incredible view on the ocean.
Paula is an incredible cook and we never left the table hungry. All the food was extremely fresh, including the cassava and pumpkin which they farm on the island. Her fish broth is legendary.
We have loved all the experiences that were offered to us and the family tried very hard to accommodate any activity we wanted to do. We were welcomed with open arms by the chief with a very special kava ceremony. Be sure to go snorkelling with the sharks, and try your hand at spear fishing with Api. He was able to catch a dozen reef fish which Paula lovingly prepared for our lunch less than an hour later.
Our only regret is that we did not spend long enough there. Our next trip to Fiji will be sure include a longer stay with Bill and Paula, as we wanted to contribute more to the community activities such as beach/village cleaning, weaving, playing rugby, and improving our fishing skills.
Once again, a very warm thank you to Bill, Paula, their family and community for a truly unforgettable stay.
