Professor Pal Ahluwalia, the Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of the South Pacific (USP), is facing significant backlash as staff unions at the Laucala Campus demand his removal. On the fourth day of a strike led by the Association of the University of the South Pacific Staff Association (AUSPS), General Secretary Rosalia Fatiaki reported they are still awaiting formal communication from the university’s higher management.
As the protests continue, criticism of Professor Ahluwalia mounts, with staff and political observers noting his absence during this turmoil. A statement issued by USP indicated that he is occupied with official duties across the region, highlighting his recent activities, which included inaugurating a new campus in Honiara, attending a graduation ceremony in Tonga, and participating in a research meeting in Vanuatu.
This week, Professor Ahluwalia is leading a delegation at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Apia, Samoa, where USP is involved in various events, including the announcement of ACU Scholarships by King Charles III. Despite USP’s attempt to clarify his whereabouts, union leaders remain skeptical.
Professor Ahluwalia was scheduled to participate in the RISE – Fiji Government symposium at Fiji National University but reportedly canceled last minute due to his commitment to CHOGM. Fatiaki expressed her concerns, stating that while the situation at Laucala Campus deteriorates, the Vice-Chancellor is attending events abroad. She emphasized that USP’s leadership does not represent the Pacific islander perspective, a point the unions strongly assert without politicizing the matter.