The Ministry of Education is set to hold a special meeting to address ongoing conflicts at the University of the South Pacific (USP). Education Minister Aseri Radrodro announced that this meeting of the USP Council will tackle issues such as staff terminations and threats of strikes, with a focus on ensuring the welfare of Fijian staff members.
During a recent parliamentary session, Minister Radrodro explained the role and functions of the USP Council, which serves as the university’s executive governing body. He noted that the council has the authority to establish ordinances to regulate university operations and its members.
The council convenes biannually, with specific statutes outlining the membership and appointment procedures, which include the role of the “visitor,” an official responsible for overseeing governance. The most recent visitor was Sir James Bruce Robertson, a retired magistrate from New Zealand, although the council currently lacks a visitor due to the complexities of the appointment process.
Minister Radrodro highlighted that the absence of a visitor is contributing to the current disputes. He pointed out that the council’s standing orders permit special meetings to be called upon written request, allowing for the addressing of specific concerns if the request is well-founded.
The Minister acknowledged the concerns raised by staff, noting that approximately 75 percent of the university’s staff are Fijian citizens. He mentioned the threats of strikes and indicated that some terminated staff have lodged complaints with the Ministry of Employment. In light of these issues, he is committed to resolving the disputes for the benefit of Fijian staff by organizing a special meeting of the USP.
Radrodro emphasized that the government is aware of these challenges and has briefed key officials, including the Prime Minister and the Minister for Employment, to seek appropriate solutions. He reiterated that the government is dedicated to ensuring a positive learning and employment environment at the university.