HIGH COURT OF SOLOMON ISLANDS

Case name: 	Bilve v Memua 	
		
Citation:		
		
Date of decision: 	3 October 2025	
		
Parties: 	Ray Bilve v John Roncy Memua 	
		
Date of hearing: 	3 October 2025	
		
Court file number(s): 	536 of 2022	
		
Jurisdiction: 	Civil 	
		
Place of delivery: 		
		
Judge(s): 	Bird; PJ	
		
On appeal from:		
		
Order:	1. The Defendant, Mr John Roncy Memua is hereby ordered to pay to the Claimant the sum of $240,000.00 as general damages.
2. The Defendant is further ordered to pay for cost of this proceeding.	
		
Representation: 	Mr. Gregory Muaki for the Claimant 
No Appearance for the Defendant 	
		
Catchwords: 		
		
Words and phrases:		
		
Legislation cited:		
		
Cases cited:		

IN THE HIGH COURT OF SOLOMON ISLANDS
CIVIL JURISDICTION

Civil Case No. 536 of 2022

BETWEEN 

RAY BILVE 
Claimant 

AND:

JOHN RONCY MEMUA 
Defendant 

Date of Hearing: 3 October 2025
Date of Decision: 3 October 2025

Mr. Gregory Muaki for the Claimant 3
No Appearance for the Defendant 
RULING ON APPLICATION FOR ASSESSMENT OF DAMAGES 
Bird PJ:
1. 	In this proceeding, default judgment was entered against John Roncy Memua (Defendant) on the 20th September 2023.
2. 	The purpose of the hearing today is for assessment of damages pursuant to paragraph 4 of the orders perfected on the above date. Ray Bilve (Claimant) filed an application for assessment of damages on the 5th November 2024. An amended application was thereafter filed. In support of the amended application was the Claimant’s sworn statement filed on the 13th August 2025.
3. 	The Defendant was personally served with the sworn statement and the amended application. He has chosen not to respond. In effect, the Defendant has failed to take any active part in this proceeding from its commencement to current. He did not appear during hearing of the amended application.
4. 	In his amended application, the Claimant seeks an order for general damages in the sum of $240,000.00 and cost. The sworn statement he relies upon contained copies of receipts on moneys he has expended for rental in order for him to continue to operate his businesses. His businesses included a retail shop and a bottle shop. The receipts cover the period between 2010 to 2016.
5. 	Having perused the Claimant’s claim and the various sworn statements filed in this cause, the Claimant had through the purchase of the disputed land from the Defendant, commenced to construct a building. He has intended to operate all bis businesses from his building upon its completion. 
6. 	The Claimant was unable to complete construction of the building because of continuous interference from the Defendant. He continued to operate his businesses anyhow and incurred costs as a result. I am therefore satisfied that the Claimant is entitled to general damages as enunciated in his amended application. I hereby award the sum of $240,000 as general damages in favour of the Claimant. I also award cost.
7. 	The orders of the court are as follows:
1.	The Defendant, Mr John Roncy Memua is hereby ordered to pay to the Claimant the sum of $240,000.00 as general damages.
2.	The Defendant is further ordered to pay for cost of this proceeding.
THE COURT
Justice Maelyn Bird
Puisne Judge