Three Cabinet Ministers are set to hold a special meeting next week to address issues at the University of the South Pacific’s Laucala Bay Campus. Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro, currently touring the Lau Group, announced his plans for the meeting to the media.
The University Staff and Support Staff Union (USPU) and the Association of USP Staff (AUSPS) recently gained a mandate for a strike aimed at the removal of Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Pal Ahluwalia. A secret ballot conducted by the Ministry of Employment, Productivity, and Industrial Relations revealed that over 90 percent of union members support the dismissal of Professor Ahluwalia, citing concerns over his governance concerning staff welfare. More than 550 individuals are members of the unions.
The upcoming meeting will also include Minister for Employment, Productivity, and Industrial Relations Agni Deo Singh, as well as Minister for Finance Biman Prasad. Radrodro stated that he has asked the permanent secretary to prepare the meeting agenda. He indicated that upon his return to Suva next week, the three ministers will convene to discuss the University’s situation.