The Ministry of Education is set to hold a special meeting to tackle ongoing disputes at the University of the South Pacific (USP). Education Minister Aseri Radrodro announced that the USP Council will address various issues, including staff layoffs and threats of strikes, while prioritizing the welfare of Fijian staff.
In Parliament this week, Radrodro outlined the USP Council’s background and its role as the university’s executive governing body, which has the authority to issue regulations governing the institution and its members. The council meets twice a year, and its statutes detail membership and appointment processes, including the designation of a “visitor,” an official responsible for overseeing university governance. The most recent visitor was Sir James Bruce Robertson, a retired New Zealand magistrate.
Radrodro noted the absence of a visitor currently due to the lengthy appointment process, which has contributed to the present disputes. He explained that the USP Council’s standing orders permit special meetings to be requested in writing when specific issues arise.
“The Government is aware of the concerns raised, especially since about 75 percent of the staff are Fijian citizens,” Radrodro said, acknowledging various issues, particularly the threats of strikes. He mentioned that terminated staff have approached the Ministry of Employment regarding these matters.
Radrodro expressed his intention to resolve the issues raised for the benefit of Fijian staff by calling a special meeting at USP. He assured that the government is focused on fostering a positive learning and employment environment at the university and has briefed key officials, including the Prime Minister and the Minister of Employment, to seek solutions.