Fiji Labour Party leader Mahendra Chaudhary has criticized the University of the South Pacific’s vice-chancellor, Pal Ahluwalia, for traveling to Samoa during the ongoing crisis at the university. Chaudhary visited striking union members at the Laucala Campus yesterday.
“The Fiji Labour Party is questioning the delay in addressing longstanding staff grievances at USP, which has led to the current standoff between university management and its unions,” Chaudhary stated.
He pointed out that despite a Council order for the vice-chancellor to relocate to Fiji, he has yet to move into the official residence at the Laucala campus. The dispute at USP has persisted since 2021 and requires a prompt resolution. Chaudhary highlighted serious allegations of mismanagement, abuse of office, irregularities in promotions, and corrupt practices.
He asserted that the claims against Ahluwalia are credible, supported by an independent report released last November. The strike, now in its third day, continues to raise concerns among staff and stakeholders.