A new controversy

So.....the newest news on campus is that yesterday, in a dengue fever invoked haze, I was made aware that someone was passing out pamphlets to the students' drivers about the school land deal not going through. Of course, parents should pull their kids out of NJIS and not support the school because it was closing.

To tell you the background of the story:

Last year, around this time, the 20 year lease of the school was up for renewal. The school ownership (based in Shanghai) inquired about purchasing the land. There was, of course, debate over things like zoning, purchase price, etc. (kind of like St. Albert...rich bastards). The school was in threat of the land deal not getting finalized and all of the teachers were granted permission to leave and fine new contracts. The land deal, apparently, went through in February and March but all of the staff had signed off on new schools. Hence, the whole staff this year is brand new.

Then, yesterday, a land developer called Summarecon put up a sign out front of the school claiming that the land deal was not finished, blah, blah, blah. They even hired security to guard the signs. We can't take them down, but they cannot approach cars.

I guess both sides' lawyers got into a room to hash out details and in standard Indonesian tradition they joke, laugh, insult each other, talk business for two minutes, glare menacingly, joke some more, repeat. It takes then two hours to discuss 30 minutes of business. Lawyers, can't trust 'em anywhere (and don't point fingers, he's a Judge, now).

Anyway, we are assured nothing will happen. Although, we are often assured our photocopiers will work and that doesn't happen. Apparently, tactics such as these are commonly used here to speed up payments, increase legal fees, etc. The realtors stand to lose about $4 million each so I doubt they will let that happen. Plus, the schools original owner is married to a billionaire coal tycoon from China and I doubt he will let her pet project go (by the way, you should check out the half-million dollar ring on her finger). So, we will play it by ear. I am sure this is making National headlines in Canada and you are all sitting with baited breath waiting to hear the outcome.

At any rate, Marni, the kids and little Shamus the Leprechaun (calling him otherwise is a misgnomer) are doing fine.