Fiji has invoked its authority as a member of the University of the South Pacific Council, requesting a Special Council Meeting, scheduled for later this month.
In an interview with FijiLive, Education Minister Aseri Radrodro mentioned that he submitted a request to the USP Council Secretariat following discussions with Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad and Employment Minister Agni Deo Singh. The meeting during which the request was made was chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka, while Radrodro temporarily assumed the role of Prime Minister at that time.
Radrodro stated that the Secretariat responded with proposed dates for the meeting in September. He acknowledged that he has not yet met with the two USP Unions but has considered their concerns for inclusion in the meeting’s agenda.
“I hope that good sense will prevail in understanding the situation we are in. The University serves as a regional institution, and with its headquarters located in Fiji, we are also aware that the majority of the staff are Fijian citizens. This is why we are exercising our authority to call for the Special Council Meeting,” Radrodro expressed.