CULTURE and Tourism Minister Charles Abel has instructed the National Museum and Art Gallery board to meet again and decide on director Simon Poraituk.
He said that while he respected the National Court’s decision last week to lift Mr Poraituk’s suspension, there were serious allegations against the management that the Public Accounts Committee had also recommended an investigation.
Mr Abel feared that any further delay could result in further damage to the institution, suggesting that Mr Poraituk’s reinstatement may hinder investigations.
“The board is the appropriate body to address these issues and I have asked them to do so,” he said in a statement.
“They have been given another opportunity to gather a valid quorum and make a decision on the way forward given the recent court decision.”
Last Thursday, Deputy Chief Justice Sir Salamo Injina ruled that the board meeting on Sept 21 which ordered the suspension was not properly constituted.
He said that a trial would also be required to look into the grounds of the suspension and in the meantime, Mr Poraituk remained as director.
He also instructed
Vincent Kaupa to cease his duties as acting director.
Mr Kaupa was appointed by the National Executive Council which also ordered him to investigate claims of financial abuse, fraud and other forms of mismanagement.
Sir Salamo set next Monday for the trial to begin.