Fiji has invoked its authority as a member of the University of the South Pacific Council to request a Special Council Meeting, which is set to take place later this month.
In an interview with FijiLive, Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro revealed that he had contacted the USP Council Secretariat after discussions with Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad and Employment Minister Agni Deo Singh.
During the discussions, Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka presided over the meeting, while Radrodro acted in the capacity of Prime Minister.
Radrodro noted that the Secretariat had responded with proposed dates in September for the upcoming meeting. While he has not yet met with the two USP Unions, he acknowledged their concerns as part of the agenda for the meeting.
“I hope that good sense will prevail in terms of understanding the situation we are in. The University is a regional institution, and given that its headquarters is located in Fiji, we must consider the fact that most of the staff are Fijian citizens. This is why we are exercising our powers to convene the Special Council Meeting,” Radrodro stated.