The actor and director bought himself the island as if it was a Christmas gift. Mago Island (pronounced Mungo) was purchased by Gibson for $15 million US.
However, the members of the Yavasu Vuaniivi tribe who are living on the island of Namalata are saying that they have the rights to Mago.
According to them, the sale of the island is not valid, because their ancestors were forced to leave the island of Mago in the 19th century.
The tribe members hope that the Fiji government can help them in maintaining their ancestoral rights.
The authorities of the country, however, have refused, judging that the transaction is between the buyer and the seller.
Mago Island is the largest private island in the southwest Pacific. It is surrounded by coral, white sand and turqouise water.
The new purchase included 35 houses for Gibson’s employees. Fourteen people work full time to maintain the paradise.