More than 200 staff members of the University of the South Pacific (USP) gathered outside the Office of the Vice-Chancellor to demand the immediate suspension of Professor Pal Ahluwalia. This protest follows the USP Council’s decision to launch an investigation into various issues.
Both the Association of USP Staff and the USP Staff Union have called for Professor Ahluwalia’s removal, citing unresolved concerns regarding his leadership. These grievances include significant governance problems and the recent termination of AUSPS President Dr. Tamara Osbourne-Naikatini, who was also present at the protest.
Reuben Colata, President of the Staff Union, mentioned in an email sent to all USP staff that the university intends to pursue legal action against the Permanent Secretary for Employment, Jone Maretino Nemani. This action appears to be in response to the Ministry of Employment permitting the unions to organize their strike demanding the Vice-Chancellor’s removal.
Colata stated that the strike would continue, as they have received the mandate to persist until February 16, which is six months from the initial strike approval on August 16, where 95 percent of staff in Fiji supported the decision.
USP has indicated that an official statement will be issued later today. Meanwhile, Vice-Chancellor Professor Pal Ahluwalia is currently in Vanuatu. A USP Council meeting is scheduled for November 24-25 in the Cook Islands.