Professor Pal Ahluwalia, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of the South Pacific (USP), is facing intense pressure as two staff unions demand his resignation. The Association of the University of the South Pacific Staff Association (AUSPS), with General Secretary Rosalia Fatiaki, has entered the fourth day of their strike, awaiting formal communication from university management.
As the strike persists, Professor Ahluwalia has faced mounting criticism from staff and political commentators for his absence. A statement from USP clarified that he is occupied with official university duties throughout the region. Recently, he officiated the opening of the new Solomon Islands campus in Honiara and attended the graduation ceremony at the Tonga campus. This week, he is leading the USP delegation at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Apia, Samoa, where USP is actively participating in various activities, including the announcement of ACU Scholarships by King Charles III.
Despite this clarification, the unions remain unconvinced. It was reported that Professor Ahluwalia was expected at the Fiji National University symposium but declined last minute due to his CHOGM commitments. Ms. Fatiaki remarked, “While the houses are burning at Laucala Campus, the Vice-Chancellor is on a plane to Vanuatu.” She expressed concerns over his presence in Samoa, noting that USP is not highlighted in any related events.
Fatiaki emphasized that the university has suffered a loss of its regional identity, asserting that it is essential for USP to be led by a Pacific islander, while also clarifying that the unions are not politicizing the situation.