University of the South Pacific (USP) Vice Chancellor Professor Pal Ahluwalia has terminated the contract of Dr. Tamara Osborne-Naikatini, President of the Association of the University of the South Pacific Staff, citing alleged gross misconduct.
In a joint statement, the University of the South Pacific Staff Union and the Association of the University of the South Pacific Staff criticized Professor Ahluwalia for what they described as an attack on the staff union and freedom of speech at USP. They stated that Dr. Naikatini’s termination was linked to her speaking to the media.
“Dr. Osborne-Naikatini stood for the staff of USP and fought for good governance, which ultimately led to her termination. The University’s claim of ‘gross misconduct’ relates to information she allegedly shared in an Islands Business interview. The interview, reported in March 2024, revealed a flawed process in the review of the Vice-Chancellor and President (VCP), Professor Pal Ahluwalia, which resulted in a two-year renewal of his contract. Dr. Osborne-Naikatini was the staff representative on the Review Committee,” the statement said.
The staff unions argued that the current USP Discipline Regulations place the Vice-Chancellor and President in roles of both judge and jury, creating a conflict of interest, as senior staff can be terminated only by the VCP.
“In addition, staff have no recourse for appeal as VCP Pal has not filled the ‘Visitor position.’ Both AUSPS and USPSU will pursue relevant processes to address the termination, viewing it as bullying and vindictive.”
The unions further described the situation as an attack on unions at USP and the freedom of unions in Fiji. They called on sister unions, NGOs, and relevant organizations to condemn the action robustly.
In a joint letter sent to the VCP last Friday, the unions urged reconsideration of the termination. The letter also reminded the VCP of the 2019 incident when the unions stood by him when he was victimized as a whistle-blower.
The statement concluded, “The USPSU and AUSPS stand united.”