A new seven-part original series hosted by Alice Levine charts the true story of two women’s battle over one island.
The story dates back to 2000 when Jayne Gaskin, a mother of three from Hampshire, stumbled across a new website called tropicalislands.com. An advert for a private island just off the coast of Nicaragua, at a surprisingly affordable price, caught her eye.
Jayne decided to follow her dream of freedom and traded her village home for an off-grid paradise, complete with palm trees and crystal-clear waters.
It wasn’t long before a production company joined them for the ride, to film their journey for a new reality Channel 4 TV series, No Going Back.
Jayne’s island escapade gained national attention and soon saw her embroiled in a brutal tabloid scandal.
When they arrived, Jayne found out her new island was at the centre of a centuries-old land dispute. The locals said the island’s house resources were vital for their survival, from fish to fresh water. The area is also home to endangered Hawksbill turtles, whose nesting sites are being threatened.
Local human rights lawyer, Maria Acosta, launched a legal battle to reclaim the islands for the local population. But both Jayne and Maria’s lives were turned upside down, when this battle over paradise became a deadly war. One that ended in kidnapping, murder and an ongoing quest for justice that continues to this day.
Jessica Radburn, Head of International Podcast Content at Wondery said: “The Price of Paradise is the tale of two women whose dreams collide, in a clash over aspiration and culture, with both resonance and lessons for today.
“Listeners will be transported to a tropical utopia where island life is not all it seems and a picture-perfect backdrop hides a tale of secrets, betrayals and corruption.
“Most of all it’s a compelling story full of plot-twists – laced with tragedy as well as moments of humour – expertly told by our brilliant host Alice Levine through a gripping script, cinematic soundscape and eye-witness contributor accounts, many speaking for the first time.”
From Wondery and Forest Sounds, The Price of Paradise launches on 22 April on Wondery+, Amazon Music and everywhere you get your podcasts.
