Fiji has invoked its authority as a member of the University of the South Pacific Council and has requested the convening of a Special Council Meeting, set to take place later this month.
In an interview, Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro stated he reached out to the USP Council Secretariat after discussions with Minister for Finance Professor Biman Prasad and Minister for Employment Agni Deo Singh. During this time, the meeting was chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka, with Radrodro serving in an acting Prime Minister capacity.
Radrodro mentioned that the Secretariat has responded with proposed meeting dates in September. Although he has not yet met with the two USP Unions, he has acknowledged their concerns and incorporated them into the agenda for the upcoming meeting.
He expressed hope that reason would prevail regarding the current situation, emphasizing the University’s regional significance and its headquarters in Fiji, where most staff members are citizens. This underscores the importance of Fiji’s decision to call for the Special Council Meeting.