Three Cabinet Ministers are scheduled to hold a special meeting next week to address the ongoing situation at the University of the South Pacific (USP) Laucala Bay Campus. Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro, currently on a tour of the Lau Group, announced his plans for the meeting to the media.
This meeting comes in the wake of a recent vote by the University Staff and Support Staff Union (USPU) and the Association of USP Staff (AUSPS). On Wednesday, the unions secured approval for a strike aimed at ousting the university’s Vice-Chancellor and president, Professor Pal Ahluwalia. The secret ballot indicated overwhelming support for Professor Ahluwalia’s dismissal, with over 90 percent of participating members in favor. The Ministry of Employment, Productivity, and Industrial Relations conducted the ballot, which had more than 550 members participating. The unions’ concerns include allegations that Professor Ahluwalia has failed to demonstrate good governance, particularly regarding staff welfare.
The meeting will also involve Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations Agni Deo Singh and Minister for Finance Biman Prasad, alongside Mr. Radrodro. “I have requested the permanent secretary to organize the agenda for the meeting,” Radrodro stated. “Upon my return to Suva next week, we’ll be convening a meeting with the three Ministers to discuss the situation at USP.”