FORMER Member of Parliament for Hograno, Kia, Havulei, in Isabel, Selwyn Riumana has denied allegations that he had sexually harassed a female manageress of Rock Havens Inn in Honiara, Kym Barlee.
The allegations were made in light of a recent incident when Ms Barlee and her local partner led relatives to Mr Riumana’s residence at Naha 1, east Honiara, Monday night this week and demanded compensation from the former MP.
Ms Barlee, who comes from Australia, was the manageress of Rock Havens Inn until the alleged sexual harassment encounter with Mr Riumana, who runs the establishment.
Eyewitnesses told the Solomon Star the manageress yelled in public protesting that Mr Riumana had allegedly phoned and text her mobile phone a number of times inviting her for wrong reasons.
Police were called to calm the situation, which almost turned violent, when the manageress was said to have entered Mr Riumana’s residence and began damaging some of his household belongings.
Our source said the incident attracted attention from neighbours, who watched from their balconies and road side, the drama unfolding.
But Mr Riumana has denied the allegations, saying it was incorrect.
Mr Riumana, who is one of the directors of Rock Haven Inn, said he had terminated Ms Barlee’s employment as manageress for poor performance which, somehow ignited her anger against him.
Mr Riumana alleged Ms Barlee had made up all kinds of excuses as reasons to take revenge against him for her sacking.
He said he had avoided answering Ms Barlee’s phone calls since the beginning of this week, and she eventually turned up at his home to accuse him.
“I am currently seeking legal advice with the view to pursue the incident in court,” he said.
Mr Riumana said he was pressured to make compensation payment during the incident to prevent further damage to his home since others were joining up to cause disorderly behaviour and nuisance in public.
The former MP had served two consecutive terms as member for Hograno, Kia and Havulei constituency, before he lost in the 2014 national elections.
By EDDIE OSIFELO
