The University of the South Pacific (USP) has clarified that its Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Pal Ahluwalia, is engaged in official duties and is not on vacation as some have speculated. This statement comes amid concerns regarding his absence from the Laucala Campus, particularly as the Association of USP Staff and the USP Staff Union are currently protesting.
In a recent statement, USP noted that Professor Ahluwalia has been active in regional engagements, including officiating the opening of the new Solomon Islands Campus in Honiara and attending the graduation ceremony at the Tonga Campus. This week, he is representing USP at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Apia, Samoa, where the university is involved in various activities, including hosting the ACU Scholarships announcement by King Charles III.
USP emphasized that claims of the Vice-Chancellor being on vacation are completely unfounded. The university also expressed disappointment at union members labeling the Laucala Campus as a “marketplace,” especially considering that it boasts some of the best facilities in the country aimed at providing a high-quality learning environment. Recent advancements, such as the establishment of the state-of-the-art Solomon Islands Campus and ongoing enhancements at the Emalus and Samoa Campuses, reflect USP’s commitment to improving its facilities.
Additionally, USP refuted suggestions that the ongoing strike includes demands for pay raises, clarifying that such matters are not part of the official strike mandate. The university echoed the sentiments of the Minister for Education, Aseri Radrodro, that the current situation should be resolved through dialogue in line with the university’s established processes and Fiji’s Employment Relations Act.