Trial did not proceed yesterday as listed on the case between Forum Solomon Islands International (FSII) and Chief Executive Officer of Solomon Airlines Ron Sumsum.
This was because the lawyer representing FSII, Chris Rarumae of Public Solicitor’s Office did not turn up yesterday.
Two of the five FSII accused were absent from court.
Lily Ramo of DNS & Partners who represents Mr Sumsum was ready for the trial.
She told the court she tried to get in touch with Mr Rarumae whole of last week through email but he has not responded.
She stressed this matter has been dragging on for sometimes now and is becoming too costly for her client.
Mr Rarumae’s colleague George Gray said, he has not seen him in the office before he came to the court.
He also said he has no instructions from Rarumae on this matter.
Ms Lily therefore had to seek a short adjournment to allow the defence to appear in court.
Since the defence counsel and two of FSII representative were not present in court, Chief Magistrate Emmanuel Kouhota had to adjourn the matter to this Friday.
This is to allow the defence counsel to appear in court and to possibly set a new trial date.
Mr Sumsum is suing FSII for criminal defamation over publications the group made on its facebook page about his pay and other benefits.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
