More than 200 staff members from the University of the South Pacific gathered in front of the Vice-Chancellor’s office to demand the immediate suspension of Professor Pal Ahluwalia. This protest follows the USP Council’s decision to launch an investigation into the situation.
Both the Association of USP Staff and the USP Staff Union have called for Professor Ahluwalia’s removal, citing unresolved complaints concerning his leadership, which include serious governance issues and the recent termination of AUSPS President Dr. Tamara Osbourne-Naikatini, who also participated in today’s strike.
Staff Union President Reuben Colata reported that an email has been circulated to all USP staff indicating the university’s intention to take legal action against the Permanent Secretary for Employment, Jone Maretino Nemani. This legal action is reportedly in response to the Ministry of Employment’s decision to permit the unions to conduct their strike aimed at the Vice-Chancellor’s removal.
Colata emphasized that the strike action will continue, as they have been authorized to proceed until February 16, which marks six months since the mandate was established on August 16. In August, a vote within the association showed that 95 percent of staff in Fiji supported the strike.
The university plans to issue a statement later today, while Professor Ahluwalia is currently in Vanuatu. A USP Council Meeting is scheduled for next month on November 24-25, to be held in the Cook Islands.