Sinovagege v Eagon Forest Resources Development Co (SI) Ltd [1992] SBHC 41; HCSI-CC 217 of 1992 (19 October 1992)

IN THE HIGH COURT OF SOLOMON ISLANDS

Civil Case No. 217 of 1992

SINOVAGEGE
(As Representative of His Tribe)

-v-

EAGON FOREST RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT CO. (SI) LTD First Defendant
VEQORO Second Defendant
JIO Third Defendant
BAKE Fourth Defendant
MADARA Fifth Defendant
GASIRIGOLOMO Sixth Defendant
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL Seventh Defendant

High Court of Solomon Islands
(Palmer J.)
Civil Case No. 217 of 1992

Hearing: 17 September 1992 at Gizo
Ruling: 19 October 1992 at Honiara

P. Lavery for the Plaintiff
A. H. Nori for the Defendants
P. Afeau for the Attorney General

PALMER J: This application can also be shortly disposed.

The key issues also touch on the conduct of the Choiseul Area Council, and inter alia, allegations of fraud on the part of the Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Defendants. These are serious issues.

The claim stems from a dispute between the Plaintiff and the Defendants as to the true Chief of the Megarau Tribe. The Defendants claim to be the Chiefs, whilst, the Plaintiff claims that he is the true Chief and not the Defendants.

It is clear that the dispute could be settled if the matter is taken to the Local Court and the court’s processes allowed to run its course. This is however, a matter for the parties themselves to pursue and sort out.

I am satisfied that the injunction shall continue until trial.

Costs to be in the cause.

(A. R. Palmer)
JUDGE