Three Cabinet Ministers are set to hold a special meeting next week to address the ongoing situation at the University of the South Pacific’s Laucala Bay Campus. Education Minister Aseri Radrodro, who is currently touring the Lau Group, announced his plans for the meeting to the media.
The University Staff and Support Staff Union (USPU) and the Association of USP Staff (AUSPS) have secured a mandate for a strike aimed at removing the university’s Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Pal Ahluwalia, following a vote on Wednesday. Over 90 percent of union members supported the move to dismiss Professor Ahluwalia, citing concerns over his governance, particularly regarding staff welfare.
The secret ballot, which involved more than 550 members, was conducted under the supervision of the Ministry of Employment, Productivity, and Industrial Relations.
Joining Minister Radrodro in the upcoming meeting will be Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations Agni Deo Singh and Minister for Finance Biman Prasad. Radrodro stated, “I have requested the permanent secretary to organize the agenda for the meeting. Upon my return to Suva next week, we’ll convene a meeting with the three Ministers to discuss the situation at USP.”