Dept ordered to reinstate staff

By KARO JESSE
THE Waigani National Court has ordered the Health Department to reinstate Paul Dopsie to his substantive position as executive manager corporate services, held prior to his suspension from office.
Justice Nicholas Miviri passed judgment on Monday in a judicial review proceedings Dopsie had filed against his suspension.
Justice Miviri granted an order for the implementation of the decision of the Public Service Commission (PSC) made on Nov 3, last year, in favour of Dopsie (plaintiff).
He nullified the decision of the then-secretary (Health Department) Pascoe Kase made on Nov 29, 2019, that suspended Dopsie from office with full pay and ordered that salaries and other contractual benefits lost (if any) as a direct result of the suspension be paid and backdated to the date of suspension.
Dopsie was employed by the department as contractual officer for three years, which would expire later this year (Dec 21).
He was suspended pending an investigation into serious allegations levelled at him during Public Accounts Committee meeting on Nov 25, 2015, by managing director of Global Customs & Forwarding Ltd Harupe Peke.
Peke’s company was contracted to provide logistical services for medical supplies for the department, where Dopsie was alleged to have solicited and extorted substantial amounts of money in illegal fees exchange for approving payments made for the company’s services’ invoices.
“It was broadcasted to the plaintiff in that subject of his reinstatement, but it is not clear when that will happen” Justice Miviri said.
“It is now eight months since that letter, no evidence has been led of any suspension or charges either administratively or criminally.
“Unless and until there are formally suspension and charges, the PSC decision is outstanding to be implemented in all frontiers as made.”