The Ministry of Education plans to hold a special meeting to address ongoing disputes at the University of the South Pacific (USP). Education Minister Aseri Radrodro announced that this meeting of the USP Council will focus on issues such as staff terminations and threats of strikes, aiming to ensure the well-being of Fijian staff members.
During a parliamentary session this week, Mr. Radrodro elaborated on the role of the USP Council, describing it as the executive governing body with the authority to create ordinances to direct and regulate the university and its members. He noted that the council convenes twice a year and that the university’s statutes specify the membership and appointment processes, which include the function of the “visitor,” an official responsible for overseeing the university’s governance.
The most recent visitor was Sir James Bruce Robertson, a retired magistrate from New Zealand. Mr. Radrodro explained that there is currently no visitor due to the complexities of the appointment process, which contributes to the ongoing disputes.
He highlighted that the council’s standing orders permit special meetings to be called upon written request if the issue is substantiated. Mr. Radrodro acknowledged the government’s awareness of the concerns raised, particularly since approximately 75 percent of the university’s staff are Fijian citizens. Many of these concerns relate to the strike threat and the issues raised by recently terminated staff members, who have also contacted the Ministry of Employment.
Stating his intentions to resolve these issues for the benefit of Fijian staff, Mr. Radrodro expressed that he has briefed the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance, and Minister for Employment to seek solutions. He emphasized that the government is committed to fostering a healthy learning and employment environment at the university.