Saint John’s CEO on ice

By CLIFFORD FAIPARIK
ST John’s Ambulance has suspended chief executive officer Douglas Kelson for an indefinite period for alleged mismanagement of funds.
It has also been alleged that Mr Kelson owns the building at Gerehu in Port Moresby which houses the organisation’s headquarters.
That might be a conflict of interest, chairman Gari Baki said when contacted by The National yesterday.
He said that pending the outcome of investigations, Mr Joseph Asaigo would take over Mr Kelson’s duties.
It was learnt that the organisation’s council met on Dec 11 and after studying some receipts, invoices and other financial documents, decided to suspend Mr Kelson from Dec 31.
It also ordered an audit of the books and finances.
Mr Kelson has been ordered not to enter the work place or give orders to the staff.
When contacted yesterday, he said he was busy and could not comment.
In October, Mr Kelson dismissed claims that he owned the building as “rumours”.