University of the South Pacific Vice Chancellor Professor Pal Ahluwalia has terminated the contract of the Association of the University of the South Pacific Staff President, Dr. Tamara Osborne-Naikatini, citing 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 criticized Prof. Ahluwalia, accusing him of launching a fierce attack on the staff union and freedom of speech at the university. They claimed that this termination is perceived as an attack on free speech, as Dr. Osborne-Naikatini was allegedly dismissed for speaking to the media.
“Dr. Osborne-Naikatini advocated for the staff of USP and fought for good governance, which ultimately led to her termination. The University’s claim of ‘gross misconduct’ is based on information she allegedly shared in her capacity as AUSPS President during a March 2024 Islands Business interview. The interview revealed deficiencies in the review process of Vice-Chancellor and President Prof. Pal Ahluwalia’s performance, which led to a two-year contract renewal. Dr. Osborne-Naikatini was the staff representative on the Senate to the Review Committee,” they said.
The unions argued that the current USP Discipline Regulations position the Vice-Chancellor and President as both judge and jury, presenting a clear conflict of interest, and noted that senior staff can only be terminated by the VCP.
“In addition, staff have no means of appealing as VCP Pal has not filled the ‘Visitor position.’ Both AUSPS and USPSU will pursue appropriate processes to address what they see as bullying and vindictive behavior regarding the AUSPS President’s termination.”
The unions further stated, “This is not only an attack on USP unions, but also on the freedom of unions in Fiji. We call on our sister unions, NGOs, and relevant organizations to condemn this action in the strongest terms.”
In a joint letter to the VCP last Friday, the unions urged him to reconsider his decision, reminding him of the support he received during the 2019 saga when he himself was victimized as a whistle-blower.
“The USPSU and AUSPS stand united,” the statement concluded.