University of the South Pacific Vice Chancellor Professor Pal Ahluwalia has terminated the contract of Association of the University of the South Pacific Staff President Dr Tamara Osborne-Naikatini over alleged gross misconduct.
In a joint statement, the University of the South Pacific Staff Union and the Association of the University of the South Pacific Staff accused Prof Ahluwalia of launching a vicious attack on the staff union and freedom of speech at USP via a letter.
They claimed this move was seen as an attack on freedom of speech at USP, noting that Prof Ahluwalia issued a termination letter to Dr Naikatini for speaking to the media.
“Dr Osborne-Naikatini stood for the staff of USP and fought for good governance, which ultimately led to her termination. The University’s claim of ‘gross misconduct’ stems from information that Dr. Osborne-Naikatini allegedly shared, as AUSPS President, in an interview with Islands Business reported in the March 2024 edition that revealed a flawed process in the review of the Vice-Chancellor and President (VCP), Prof Pal Ahluwalia, which subsequently led to a two-year renewal of the contract. Dr Osborne-Naikatini was the staff representative on the Senate to the Review Committee.”
They argued that the current USP Discipline Regulations place the Vice-Chancellor and President as both judge and jury, creating a clear case of ‘conflict of interest’ and that senior staff can only be terminated by the VCP.
“Moreover, staff have no recourse for appeal as VCP Pal has yet to fill the ‘Visitor position’. Both AUSPS and USPSU will be pursuing relevant processes to address the termination of the AUSPS President, which they see as bullying and vindictive.”
“This is not only an attack on the unions at USP but also on the freedom of unions in Fiji. In solidarity, we urge our sister unions, NGOs, and relevant organizations to condemn this action in the strongest terms.”
“A joint letter from the unions to the VCP last Friday called for reconsideration of his decision. The letter reminded the VCP of the 2019 saga where the unions stood steadfast with him when he was victimized as a whistle-blower. He seems to have a short memory.”
“The USPSU and AUSPS stand united,” the statement concluded.