University of the South Pacific Vice Chancellor Professor Pal Ahluwalia has terminated the contract of Dr. Tamara Osborne-Naikatini, President of the Association of the University of the South Pacific Staff, 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 severe attack on the staff union and freedom of speech at USP through a letter.
They claim this move is perceived as an assault on freedom of speech at USP, as Prof. Ahluwalia issued a termination letter to Dr. Naikatini for speaking to the media.
“Dr. Osborne-Naikatini stood for the staff of USP and advocated for good governance, which ultimately led to her termination. The University’s claim of ‘gross misconduct’ arises from information that Dr. Osborne-Naikatini allegedly shared, as AUSPS President, in an Islands Business interview reported in the March 2024 edition. The interview revealed a flawed process in the review of the performance of the Vice-Chancellor and President (VCP), Prof. Pal Ahluwalia, which subsequently led to a two-year renewal of his contract. Dr. Osborne-Naikatini was the staff representative on the Senate to the Review Committee,” the statement explained.
They highlighted that the current USP Discipline Regulations position the Vice-Chancellor and President as both judge and jury, which they believe is a clear case of ‘conflict of interest,’ as only the VCP can terminate senior staff.
“Moreover, staff have no recourse for appeal since VCP Pal has failed to fill the ‘Visitor position’. Both AUSPS and USPSU will pursue relevant processes to address the termination of the AUSPS President, viewing it as bullying and vindictive behavior,” they stated.
“This is not only an attack on the unions at USP but also on the freedom of unions in Fiji. 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 incident where the unions steadfastly supported him when he was victimized as a whistle-blower. He seems to have a short-lived memory.”
“The USPSU and AUSPS stand united,” the statement concluded.