More than 200 staff members from the University of the South Pacific demonstrated outside the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, demanding the immediate suspension of Professor Pal Ahluwalia. The protest came in light of the USP Council’s decision to launch an investigation into concerns surrounding his leadership, which include significant governance issues and the recent termination of AUSPS President Dr. Tamara Osbourne-Naikatini. Dr. Osbourne-Naikatini participated in the demonstration as well.
Staff Union President, Reuben Colata, mentioned that an email has been dispatched to all USP staff, indicating USP’s intention to take legal action against the Permanent Secretary for Employment, Jone Maretino Nemani. This move is in retaliation for the Ministry of Employment permitting the two unions to conduct their strike in favor of Prof. Ahluwalia’s removal.
Colata stated that the strike would continue, as they were authorized to do so until February 16, six months from the initial strike mandate granted on August 16, where an overwhelming 95 percent of staff in Fiji voted in favor of taking such action.
The university is expected to release a statement later today, while Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Pal Ahluwalia is currently in Vanuatu. There is also a scheduled USP Council Meeting next month, set for November 24-25 in the Cook Islands.