Fiji has utilized its authority as a member of the University of the South Pacific (USP) Council and requested the Council to hold a Special Council Meeting, which is set to take place later this month.
In an interview, Aseri Radrodro, the Minister for Education, revealed that he reached out to the USP Council Secretariat following discussions with the Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, and Minister for Employment, Agni Deo Singh.
Radrodro noted that the meeting was led by Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka at that time, while he was acting as Prime Minister. The Secretariat responded with suggested dates in September for the meeting.
The Minister indicated that he has not yet met with the two USP unions but acknowledged their concerns as part of the proposals for the upcoming meeting.
“I hope that good sense will prevail in understanding our current situation. The University serves as a regional institution, and since its headquarters is located in Fiji, we are cognizant that a majority of the staff are citizens of Fiji. This is why we are invoking our authority to call for the Special Council Meeting,” Radrodro stated.