The Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of the South Pacific, Professor Pal Ahluwalia, is currently engaged in official duties and is not on vacation, as some have speculated. This clarification comes in response to concerns regarding his absence from the Laucala Campus, particularly amidst ongoing protests by the Association of USP Staff and the USP Staff Union.
According to a statement from the University, Professor Ahluwalia has recently presided over the opening of the new Solomon Islands Campus in Honiara and took part in the graduation ceremony at the Tonga Campus. He also attended the Pacific Islands Universities Research Network meeting in Port Vila, Vanuatu.
This week, he is leading the USP delegation at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Apia, Samoa, where the University is involved in the opening ceremony, exhibitions, and discussions, as well as jointly hosting the announcement of ACU Scholarships by King Charles III.
The University emphasized that claims of Professor Ahluwalia being on vacation are completely unfounded. Additionally, it is disappointing for union members to label the Laucala Campus as a “marketplace,” especially when the facilities are regarded as among the best in the country, providing a top-notch learning environment. Recent developments, including the launch of the high-tech Solomon Islands Campus and ongoing enhancements at the Emalus and Samoa Campuses, highlight the University’s dedication to improving its facilities.
The USP also clarified that the strike demands do not include requests for pay increases, stating that reports suggesting otherwise are inaccurate, as the terms and conditions of staff are not part of the official strike mandate.
In response to the situation, the University has reiterated the need for conflict resolution through dialogue, aligning with the guidance of Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro, and adhering to the established processes and procedures of the University as well as Fiji’s Employment Relations Act.