The strike at the University of the South Pacific against Professor Pal Ahluwalia has entered its third day, with participation from students, faculty, and custodial staff.
Krishnil Ram, the Acting President of the Association for the University of the South Pacific Staff (AUSPS), emphasized that the primary aim of the strike is the removal of the Vice Chancellor. Additional concerns include the reinstatement of Professor Tamara Osborne-Naikatini and improved treatment of staff.
“For many of us, the University is our life. We’ve been educated here, we work here, and it means everything to us, which is why we are risking our jobs to demand a fair and transparent investigation into the Vice Chancellor,” Ram stated.
The AUSPS is advocating for gender equality and the reinstatement of Dr. Tamara Osborne-Naikatini, noting that before her dismissal, no other female professors were employed at the University.
“Dr. Tamara was let go simply for discussing a matter with the media that was deemed confidential. She was a prominent female researcher who was set to mentor other female researchers. How can we expect to close the gender gap if we continue to remove women who voice their concerns?” Ram added.
He urged council members to address the issues raised by staff and students during the strike.
“Staff are beginning to lose faith in Senior Management as we are only relying on the Council members. We urge them to address the delays in council meetings and other urgent concerns,” Ram urged.
Sources have indicated that the protest will continue until a decision is made regarding the future of the USP Vice Chancellor.