Fiji has utilized its authority as a member of the University of the South Pacific (USP) Council to convene a Special Council Meeting, which is set to take place later this month.
In an interview with FijiLive, Education Minister Aseri Radrodro explained that he communicated with the USP Council Secretariat following discussions with Minister for Finance Professor Biman Prasad and Minister for Employment Agni Deo Singh.
Radrodro noted that the meeting was overseen by Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka at the time when he was acting in the capacity of Prime Minister. He mentioned that the Secretariat responded with proposed dates for the meeting to be held in September.
The Minister acknowledged that he has not yet met with the two USP Unions but has taken their concerns into account for the upcoming discussion.
“I hope that good sense will prevail in terms of understanding the situation we are in. The University is a regional institution, and since its headquarters is located in Fiji, we are also aware that most of the staff are Fijian citizens. This is why we are exercising our powers to call for the Special Council Meeting,” Radrodro stated.