Murders in Paradise: The Hidden History of Fiji

The true story behind a double gay murder in Fiji.
The murder of John Scott, Head of Fiji’s Red Cross, and his gay partner is still clouded in rumour and political mystery. In a country that has become increasingly fundamentalist, many regarded the couple with hostility. Shortly before his death, Scott came to international acclaim helping hostages during the 2000 coup. Was his murder a political assassination; the result of a soured love affair or an act of insanity? This award winning documentary uses the murders to examine Fiji’s history over the past 50 years. Narrated by Scott’s brother, it’s a moving tale of colonial privilege, evangelical Christianity and a country still deeply divided.
Director: ANNIE GOLDSON

[@ollynooroadaugunu3638]

This documentary hits close to home…literally because I grew up in LDS subdivision, a walking distance from John Scott’s house. My uncle, in fact, was the other suspect in this case. He was cleared of all charges - he just so happen to be at the wrong place at the wrong time. Whenever we asked him to tell the story of this case, he would freeze up with fear because he was the one that found the victims & called the police. It’s a very traumatic & sad story. It’s sad all around, a sad story for the families. Isa

[@tauiraclay4235]

Captured both sides of the tragedy. Loving someone, who others discriminate, through religion, or makes a mockery through the law. Great documentary, the best.

[@lenzylens3482]

Can someone do an interview with Apete? Would really like to hear his side of the story. Why did he do this?

[@semitabakanalagi5338]

Itaukei culture is very racist, Misogynist,Homophobic & religiously cultic. The whole happiest place on earth is a facade 😂

[@user-xl3vv3rx5g]

You know what it is

[@MonkeyDace200]

What a documentary scotts family will always be remembered in Fiji

[@geeunit831]

It's sickening that Apete got off. This judgment was appalling. He killed two men in cold blood and cut their heads off and he basically got a slap on the wrist. Fiji should be embarrassed.

[@millyligaiviu9676]

Aww really and how about the trauma that the young boys and men went through as rape victims??

[@raolhooley]

​@@millyligaiviu9676there was no rape eeegit

[@simionenauluvula7981]

​@@raolhooleygay.. people will always have a past with males straight.. that's th😢 reason

[@raolhooley]

@@simionenauluvula7981 what do you mean..? That dousnt say anything

[@simionenauluvula7981]

@@raolhooley ..it means everything...the Truth... always see like life in fulness..not just some well known

[@ritakisil1508]

It deeply hurts how colonisers treat the people they colonised. Government, banking, commerce were controlled by Europeans...they were a privileged lot, even bank tellers were Europeans, as narrated in this documentary. Locals were considered very negatively.

[@marilynschmidt6400]

Exactly. Like he said "white mischief days". 😱

[@somedude4652]

I doubt if the local indigenous population were educated and trained in "Government, banking, commerce"

[@ritakisil1508]

@@somedude4652 colonised people, whether indigenous or whatever already had formal education. Some went abroad to study, had degrees

[@marilynschmidt6400]

@@somedude4652 NZ Maori also had their own way of doing things. Europeans introduced unhealthy ways to their culture like alcohol and prostitutes. They even had their own currency

[@PamalaBotts]

@@somedude4652 Local indigenous people can become trained and educated in any vocation or industry that any other human being can become trained and educated. This is systemic racism that is always defended by those who perpetrate a white supremasist world view. They are convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt that they are members of a master race despite the fact that they stole, pilidged and plundered the ancient African universities and centers of advanced learning in Timbukktu, Egypt, Mali etc. !! People were stolen during the European slave trade because of their advanced scientific knowledge of agriculture, horticulture, metallurgy, astronomy , mathematics, geography etc etc

[@jasminealixandranorth]

Haunting and tragic story. I was in Fiji in 1980. All I remember is the beauty of the Islands and the friendliness of the people. I didn't go to any cities. All the children were smiling. I would not want to return though. This story has spooked me - and there is too much focus on western religion. Pity. The natives should have stuck with Paganism and Nature Worship. Religions are a curse and the cause of countless murders and wars throughout history. Excellent film making.

[@getoffenit7827]

The people of Fiji did not have killings and wars before they were exposed to 'western ideas' of religion? They didnt perform ritualistic sacfrices on members of another conqured tribe? Wipe out any competitors for food,land,water and other resources? I know its popular to blame the west for the worlds troubles..but read some history about fiji,samoa,solomon islands,new guinea etc...dont read the history written by westerners...but read the history written by the indigenous people. You might be surprised by what you find

[@carlabroderick5508]

The cause of the murder was never religion. It was colonialism, the sense that another more powerful culture was corrupting the native Fijians. Though homosexuality may exist among Fijians, it is not obvious as in the behavior of the murdered men. Religion is just a cover for hatred of foreign/colonial influence.

[@tmac5752]

You wouldn't be alive to return home in 1980 if Fijians continued to practice paganism. Coz with paganism comes cannibalism. At least Christianity exposed these evil practices which is now been done away with.

[@SainimiliTabanikau]

😊😊

[@user-uj7di3hp8m]

U do know, our ancient did a lot of cannibalism...as a way to disrespect the other and it wasn't christianity the fault to this but that was at 1980 we had a coup that ended up making people hate other races....1980 was a time and age where Fijians still.hated indentured Indians and most people from other races...like there are still some lands that are taken away from nearby villages which are now owned by white people

[@ricdavid7476]

Great doc very educational for me in particular

[@lena2415]

Mind opening documentary, thank you

[@DiscoverHudsonValley]

What a crazy and interesting story!! I never knew about this. Thank you for bringing it to my attention Best Documentary. Cheers 😉

[@juanitarichards1074]

There are books written about the case, one by Greg's brother. There are also other documentaries.

[@adimereseiniNRRavouvou76]

Iye o tu mai vei o iko gonei

[@lecoqjeannot3358]

Interesting but very sad story. Excellent work !

[@davidlafranchise4782]

I'd like to see a film on the lives of the grandfather and father.

[@Mattcthis]

Fiji's History covered in 1 Documentary, Well done Best Documentary.

[@garycody1929]

Christianity has a lot to answer for in many Pacific Islands.

[@anthonyswann9167]

Na not Christianity but the witchcraft and Vudu Rituals people still perform in Fiji is quite bad..actually very bad..FACTS

[@user-ig5zq6ve8m]

Truly. Quite a disturbing religion.

[@carriequeen1201]

​@@user-ig5zq6ve8moh so Christianity is the only religion that is disturbing to you?? What about others?

[@deborahnaivaluwaqa2985]

WHY?

[@marilynschmidt6400]

​@@deborahnaivaluwaqa2985 Indigenous peoples had their own cultural beliefs, customs and traditions up until European settlement. For example the indigenous people of Aotearoa New Zealand (Maori) were staunch followers of the Ringatu and Ratana movements

[@carolpearce7755]

Great documentary.

[@SitiveniBuluwalenasui]

Very interesting documentary.😊

[@maraiavurai1902]

Isa, Mr. Scott, was my boss when I was working with the Fiji Red Cross...😢

[@ritakisil1508]

I'm sorry...it happened long ago but the tragedy won't be forgotten I'm sure

[@kjmax1068]

Good to see a version of this story. X

[@trevormwabulabrookings]

Interesting documentary

[@mathewanthony1264]

As a Fijian and a young gay man. I am torn and schocked to find this out. The Gay community in Fiji has grown quite a lot since then. However, fear of prosecution is still present. My deepest condolences to the Scott Family and I hope nothing like this repeats.

[@semitabakanalagi5338]

Homophobia comes from Misogyny & religious cult.Even women face this tyranny whereby precious Itaukei men & boys can do no wrong & the jezebel is the one perpetuating rape, domestic violence & mental abuse. We have to realize this

[@CallemJay_McNeill]

Wouldn't it be safer for you to move here to New Zealand or over to Australia? At least you can be openly gay here

[@user-oq6cg1kw2h]

@@CallemJay_McNeillno where to hide in this world mate

[@JovesaSokonawai]

Iko tale ga mo labati

[@mathewanthony1264]

Thanks for the concern ❤️ Indeed your countries show true democracy and equality. This is exactly why I wish it the same for Fiji. Running now would only be cowardly. Even if I have to face the music every day and be reminded of how unpopular my opinion is, like how @JosevaSokonawai has so rudely stated in his comment.....I will do it anyway. We pride ourselves on being hospitable people, and this in itself is the light at the end of the tunnel. We know it's an uphill battle, but a tiny ripple is all we really need.

[@AnaBavadra]

Very interesting documentary..

[@erinloo8921]

A sad beautifully told story.

[@paulatoga4826]

Great Documentary.

[@pumlambiza3922]

Great documentary, I'm very sorry for your loss. Condolences to you & your family. Sometimes extreme religious beliefs can be be very detrimental to some people with intellectual incapabilities.

[@viliamebula5028]

No matter what his belief was, he had no right to take a life.

[@thepropmachines1042]

1-04;30 DISTURBED MIND? amazing the person who ,as a christian, reading the book and understanding what the book is asking him to practice ,is a :Disturbed MIND" How twisted.

[@saraswatkin9226]

Drugs, alcohol, corruption the political scenes of destruction causing destruction globally since the dawn of humans and they keep practicing the same mistakes by divide and rule in the name of divinity.

[@user-iw2sb3ei2l]

I heard your grandfather purchased lands with oil lamps or gave wine to some natives land owners.

[@bobbywasabi3003]

Must have been your dog who told you that

[@ralphfigaro4485]

I saw that ages ago on youtube, looks like a repost...crazy incident

[@jonesukanaivalu9221]

It would have been alot more interesting if details about what transpired between John Scott his partner Greg Scrivener and Apete Kaisau. No one who is likeable and gentle goes to extreme lengths to do something gruesome UNLESS deception and betrayal is involved.

[@FololeNgata]

Maybe John Scott was Apete lover😂😂he was jealous of the partner😂😂

[@ritakisil1508]

jonesukanaivalu ...a good observation...it wasn't reported what exactly transpired before the murder occurred.

[@London97]

Hello from London

[@jaylaisenia1766]

Why don't you go and interview The accused to see the other side of the coin..

[@ep2934]

Yes why don't you continue blaming the ACTUAL victims. Murder is murder is murder. How would YOU feel if YOUR brother, relative or loved one was murdered in this savage way? So-called "Christian" morality has really distorted the minds of indigenous Fijians, especially when coupled with dangerous ethno-nationalism.

[@ljawgtn1393]

I think they did suggest his side of the story it wasn't a one-sided story

[@alertstillness592]

Apete is the real victim, a process that was set forth by Scott's grand father the Methodist that instill hardcore Christian beliefs that really aren't Christian. Not sure that the justice treats any local with no money with any justice. Apete must have felt like a helpless cow send for slaughter.

[@erileneschioedt6219]

Unfortunate that the continued singing in background was found necessary. Couldnt bear watching further.

[@vatutuvayaroi2957]

From a friend..”so tragic....more so since that homophobic a/hole the late ex army officer and later Commissioner of Fiji Police Mr Savua got a scapegoat to pin the murders on when he knew full well who the actual murdering party were! It's no wonder he went a little loony and was wrought with continuous nightmares when he was on his diplomatic posting in NY....on his return to Fiji, his daily pastime was catching a cab to a Samabula bus-stop, boarding a bus for 2 stops then spending the rest of afternoon repeating his bus excursion.....karma! we lost an absolutely true Fiji son with John's Scott murder: an industrious, loyal servant of fiji and his family goes back to the old British Colonial govt in Fiji that also helped education in donating land to an all boys school Fijian school of today called QVS or Queen Victoria School in Tailevu which still churn top students into all facets of fiji government and private sectors and they also helped and prepared Fiji from independence from the UK in 1970 and a very sincere, innovative administrator who understood our Fijian psyche well.”😢

[@enjinman]

Your bible says no homosexual activity what bloody bible do you guys follow 😂smh

[@FijianFala88]

John scott a famous murder case in Fiji.

[@maryannesmith1392]

great doc….but justice wasn’t served….. he took 2 lives….in that h3 should forfeit his life. Life , no freedom at all.

[@leota1899]

No one has a right to take another persons life. Gay straight etc.

[@uniqtraveller2162]

I don’t condone any killing but also I don’t like anyone who use his wealth and power to sexual abuse innocent poor children. It is very shameful that your brother uses his wealth and money to sexually abuse his killer. He did that but he though he could get away with it.

[@jasminealixandranorth]

You are being presumptuous.

[@davepadmore2982]

The killer wasn’t a child and there was no evidence of any abuse. Murder is murder

[@adimereseiniNRRavouvou76]

Mr Henry Scot Daku Nakelo Tailevu hahahahahahaha respect meself late mother nickname Henry also happened to be meself kids dads nickname Henry and he from there as well Daku Nakelo Tailevu

[@adimereseiniNRRavouvou76]

meself younger sibling was at Saintgiles and what you know your brothers killer was there as well and they yarn and yarn a lot they became good friends must be all related to the Scots Mariwana power

[@tashina45]

😊

[@user-iz2ys2ie1z]

Thank you Apete Kaisau you are the true Preacher,God lives within you💪

[@asipautameifuna21]

Not supported home sexuality also not supported killing so how to you thank someone that also committed crimes they both need the love of Jesus Condolences to the deceased family and prayers for Apete to know Jesus so he can be forgiven 🙏

[@tmac5752]

There's only one perfect judge and that is Christ coz he lived without sin. Apete like you and I are full of sin. He should have taken the higher road and share abt Christ and is grace to a man who knew non. Usurping power to kill him in the name of God is a mockery to the very god he professed to represent. The very God who is all powerfull do not need little Apete to erase a sinful man coz God can very much do it himself.

[@FololeNgata]

​@tmac5752 you see that's the problem of Christians now a days. We are not perfect but with the guidance of God through his word we can be a perfect Christian. We can't be preaching saying we believe in God and have so much hatred towards people who aren't Christians

[@adimereseiniNRRavouvou76]

Guess whose in the video chichi Mr Jon Apted

[@janetbutler7503]

Woow.very interesting story. Beter to.interviuw the guy who killed him? Theres.a story for two.sides. This is Fiji history. Thank you

[@adimereseiniNRRavouvou76]

Apete is a patron in Saintgiles hospital they all marijuana smokers you do not know

[@semitabakanalagi5338]

There is no excuse or explanation for taking a huma life let alone two

[@user-uq3pw7cv2c]

Who really. Killed. John. Scott. and. His. Friend

[@adimereseiniNRRavouvou76]

Uwai ko Apete talaki rau tu

[@user-lp5cr2iu7k]

So much about God and hymn singing and His Word. So much we can say. But i did not hear any apologies from any side of the story. Sad so sad. Now Scott's blood is still crying, gayness/homosexuality is unstoppable in Fiji.

[@solomonibale5935]

Please interview Apete...

[@tomuvula9365]

Vakaciriloloma dina nai talanoa au rogoca baleta na laba vei Mr Scott..🎉🎉🎉Isaaa kina vuvale Kaisau mai Colo I suva...isaaaa veikemudrau na veiwatini Miau na Kaisau noqu masu me veivagalagalstaki tiko na Kalou

[@deet526]

It is sad that he had to die, but that will happen if a person is too arrogant to see their sins could make someone loose it. Some people of money and power will get away with rapes and murders all the time. There's always two sides to a story, very one sided story, the local stories are that this man molests young boys, or males that were drugged and raped. He was a prominent man in Fiji and no one would dare report his doings to the authorities because he was revered as a Red Cross family. The accused should be included to find the truth and not all about the family legacy uplifting the family and about politics. . its a shame in fiji to be raped and most boys would never report it to the police because they wont be believed. He also should not have flaunted his sexual preference in fiji at a time when gay is not popular and excepted. John Scott might be popular and revered but he did nasty to some boys that they will not admit it because its shameful because its done to them. The family will just let it go and forgive John and get on with life. I believe he did it to the wrong guy.

[@izaadishtiyaaq6708]

This is what the Europeans do in the disguise of aid and volunteers, go into 3rd world nations and prey on young children to fulfill their lusty desires.

[@royallan3717]

Raymond Burr (Ironsides) known for his Orchards in Nadi wandua

[@islandgirl9562]

God did spare 1 life. Great documentary.

[@FijianFala88]

21:29 Legendary man Butadroka

[@NauluMataiciwa]

This is Fiji,keep your laws and ideas in your own country .

[@augustineminimbi5668]

Shut up, xenophobe

[@fjhawkr137]

There's two sides to every story

[@vishnuku1580]

Siempre se aprende algo insólito,desde ❤️🇲🇽

[@VirginiaBryson]

I would like to hear Apete's side of the story to understand why he did what he did 🙄

[@mimisikujui5514]

First time im hearing a country that didn't want independence from the oppressor

[@user-dr3wg3rn9e]

Fiji voluntarily and willingly ceded itself to the British empire. It was even turned down the first time.

[@margaretjames1579]

Because they were being overrun with the overpopulation from India. They chose Britain over India.

[@user-dr3wg3rn9e]

@@margaretjames1579 Indians came in bondage under indentured servitude sent by Sir Arthur Gordon the Governor of Fiji at the time. The first batch landed in 1880.

[@drthomason7043]

​@@margaretjames1579the British brought the Indians to Fiji to Labour in the sugarcane fields. They did the same I many countries

[@amitajamnadas6788]

@@margaretjames1579 Gosh where have you been all this time! The British will themselves tell you of the history of Indians in Fiji, Trinidad, jamaica etc .... go look in their archives or just type girmit on Google and you might learn a few things!

[@whooshkaboomie]

Very Interesting case. I guess no Bible reading while in Hospital for treatment ???

[@donnamcleod4479]

Europeans never learn

[@TIAMOSCHATZ1]

HOW CAN YOU GO TO FORCE PEOPLE A RELIGION AND RULES YOU DON’T FOLLOW ON TOP YOU ARE ENSLAVING THEM INTO SAVAGE LIFE…? ONE DAY THE WORLD WILL BE HAPPY WITHOUT YT PEOPLE ENSLAVERY

[@jasonali9028]

Oiii warai the voices saraga ga ya was the devil… murder is the greatest of all sin as you have ended a soul that could have been saved.

[@vetaiapettitt9749]

Ni kua ni kilaleca taka Na tamata e bula tiko nai volavolaca me vakautia koa yani Na kalou Jisu Karisito.

[@user-rq2sf1of9z]

kauvelatai damudamu,nona i yau kei na tiko vata kei na tagane na veika e a cakava tiko rau sota vata kei na nona i lawaki

[@thepropmachines1042]

APETE did what your Grand father Preached ,your brother was a Sick man , he should have been in the Mental hospital and not the Head of RED CROSS. Your Grand Father did well preaching christianity preparing APETE as a believing christian to stand against an Evil John.

[@ashwinsharma907]

So it’s ok to take other people’s lives if you disagree with their beliefs or lifestyle!!! That’s a very dangerous line of thinking

[@KingKong-xt9fk]

You should try reading the Bible. If a man lies with a male as with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination; they shall surely be put to death; their blood is upon them. Leviticus 20:13 ​@@ashwinsharma907

[@bobbywasabi3003]

The Bible doesn't say having gay thoughts is wrong in itself. These are but feelings and thoughts. Practicing them is a sin. John committed sin. Apete an even greater sin. His anger his thoughts and feelings are justified. But life belongs to God, not to Apete

[@FololeNgata]

He was Satan puppet who believe that's he doing God's will. Apete is a representative of hypocritical Christians.

[@virginiaking6716]

Believe in the power of the Bible

[@user-nb4ex5zk3w]

Most of us don't want to be responsible for what we do.........its God...its race....political leaders...they are responsible...not me. Always the other made it happen.

[@juanitarichards1074]

Religion kills....

[@gerryhouska2859]

Anybody believing such superstitious bronze age mumbo-jumbo is certainly irrational if not actually insane.

[@cosmicpuma]

Totally! It is the only construct on planet earth that at its very foundation and fundamental to its process, devalues human life and all life for that matter, by telling you you've got somewhere to go when you die..

[@Anonymous.13342]

They were fking dumb fk

[@cbtx8615]

What Jesus taught has nothing to do with killing.

[@juanitarichards1074]

The entire bible is all about killing and rape and violence. Human sacrifice......if you followed one page of the bible you'd end up in prison.@@cbtx8615

[@jr.rasentertainment4074]

The first time Fiji was named as Feejee with lots of e's...

[@thepropmachines1042]

APETE ACTED UPON THE BIBLE !!! AMAZING CHRISTIANITY. JOHN SHOULD'NT HAVE BROUGHT THE TRASH TO CLEAN CHRISTIAN SOCIETY.

[@Anonymous.13342]

ONLY GOD HAS THE RIGHT TO TAKE A LIFE,APETE IS IN THE WRONG.....

[@thepropmachines1042]

GOD does not come down to choke you, is people who do it, but if u mean God as a LAW maker ,you are right,go read bible thas the law SODOMITES IF NOT REPENT , SODOMS & GOMORAH ,GO'S PUNISHMENT,THE WHOLE LOT OF SODOMITES WAS KILLED.@@Anonymous.13342

[@FololeNgata]

I guess you are as sick as Apete. May the Holy Spirit enlighten your dark head becoz you are saying that murdering gay people is what makes God happy🤦‍♀️. When the Bible say thou shall not kill

[@senikau78]

Apete is so brain washed like most of these bible thumpers. Who died and made him Savior!

[@purnimaram3543]

That's the very reason why more and more people around the world are embracing atheism.

[@israel_started_it_ALL_in_1947]

crazy

[@Aiden-ly4zs]

its always the converts who jump the most!!