Three Cabinet Ministers are set to hold a special meeting next week to address issues at the University of the South Pacific (USP) Laucala Bay Campus. Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro, currently on a ministerial tour of the Lau Group, announced his plans for the meeting.
The University Staff and Support Staff Union (USPU), along with the Association of USP Staff (AUSPS), secured a mandate on Wednesday for a strike calling for the dismissal of the university’s Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Pal Ahluwalia. A secret ballot conducted by the Ministry of Employment, Productivity, and Industrial Relations indicated that over 90 percent of union members endorsed Professor Ahluwalia’s removal.
With more than 550 individuals registered as members, the unions have expressed concerns regarding the Vice-Chancellor’s governance, particularly in relation to staff welfare.
In addition to Minister Radrodro, the meeting will include 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,” adding, “Upon my return to Suva next week, we’ll be convening a meeting with the three Ministers to discuss the situation at USP.”