Introduction The case of Vunagi v Palmer involves an appeal to the Solomon Islands Court of Appeal from a decision of the High Court. The central issue on appeal is whether the High Court erred in law by holding that the failure of the Isabel Customary Land Appeal Court (ICLAC) to take minutes of its...Read More

Citation: [2024] SBCA 31; SICOA-CAC 8 of 2022 Court: Solomon Islands Court of Appeal Judges: Muria P Palmer CJ, Gavara-Nanu JA Decision Date: 1 August 2024 Representation: Appellants: W. Rano 1st Respondent: F. Fakarii 4th Respondent: B. Upwe 2nd & 3rd Respondents: Self-represented (L. Kile) / No appearance A. Case Summary Background Core Dispute: Validity of timber rights determinations over Varei Customary Land under the Forest...Read More

CITATION & HEADNOTE Noro v Saki [2016] SBCA 18.Appeal from strike-out – distinction between strike-out and summary judgment – cause of action based on mistake and/or fraud – rectification of registered title – government policy to re-offer surplus land to original owners – whether policy legally enforceable not decided. MATERIAL FACTS Parcel 192-008-90 was originally...Read More

Solomon Islands Court of Appeal | Citation N/A | [2025] SBCA 4; SICOA-CAC 38 of 2023 (11 April 2025) Decision Date: 11 April 2025 A. Overview Nature: Appeal against the High Court’s judgment (Bird J) favouring the Respondent (Mams Beautification). Outcome: Appeal allowed – High Court’s orders set aside. Key Dispute: Whether a tender award letter created...Read More

Citation: [2019] SBCA 13; SICOA-CAC 22 of 2017 (18 October 2019) Court: Solomon Islands Court of Appeal Judges: Goldsbrough P, Lunabek JA, Gavara-Nanu JA Counsels: Mr. R Firigeni for the Appellant, Mr. S Banuve for the Respondent 1. Overview: Parties: Appellants (Eastern Marketing Distributors & Zerowaste Management Service Ltd.) vs. Respondent (Attorney General, representing Solomon Islands...Read More

Citation: [2021] SBCA 3; SICOA-CAC 33 of 2019 (1 February 2021) Court: Solomon Islands Court of Appeal Judges:  Goldsbrough P, Lunabek JA, Gavara-Nanu JA Counsels:  Apaniai J for Appellant, Radclyffe A for Respondent Outcome: Appeal dismissed with costs for the Respondent 1. Case Overview Parties: Appellant (Logger) vs. Respondents (Village Residents) Jurisdiction: Solomon Islands Court of Appeal...Read More

1. Overview This is a judgment from the Solomon Islands Court of Appeal concerning an appeal against a High Court decision to strike out a claim for trespass and injunctive relief over customary land. The central legal issue was the correct approach to conflicting decisions from different Houses of Chiefs regarding ownership of the same...Read More

1. Overview This is a judgment from the Solomon Islands Court of Appeal concerning an appeal against a High Court decision that found the appellants liable for trespass on customary land. The core legal issue was the procedural interaction between the High Court (hearing a trespass claim) and the Local Court system (which has exclusive...Read More

Citation: Kere v Wore [2025] SBCA 1; SICOA-CAC 7 of 2024 (15 January 2025) Court: Solomon Islands Court of Appeal Parties:  Kasiano Kere (Appellant) Ishmael Wore (Respondent/Applicant) Judge: Gavara-Nanu JA Counsels: D Nimepo for the Appellant G Suri for the Respondent Nature: Application for review of Registrar’s assessment of security for costs ($10,000.00) under Rule 12 of the Court...Read More

Parties Appellant: Kevisi (original plaintiff in Local Court) Respondents: Talasasa and Zinehite (original defendants; Talasasa replaced post-mortem) Procedural History Local Court (1979): Ruled in favour of Kevisi regarding customary land rights. Customary Land Appeal Court (CLAC, 1982):Respondents alleged bias (Local Court President accepted copra-cutting rights from Kevisi).Respondents waived retrial request, asking CLAC to decide the entire appeal. CLAC overturned...Read More