Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad announced that a meeting is scheduled for next week to address the ongoing issues affecting the University of the South Pacific (USP). However, the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that the government will not interfere in the university’s operations. Prasad stated, “Next week we will meet to discuss how we can resolve, if there are any issues.” He added that the government will maintain a non-interference stance concerning the university’s governance and management decisions. Representatives from the government sit on the USP Council, and any concerns regarding the university will be brought up by those council members.
In addition, Maritino Nemani, the permanent secretary for the Ministry of Employment, confirmed that the ministry is considering mediation between USP management and staff unions. “Yes, due process is being applied,” Nemani stated.