Professor Pal Ahluwalia, the Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of the South Pacific (USP), is currently engaged in official duties, contrary to speculation about him being on vacation. This clarification comes amidst concerns regarding his absence from the Laucala Campus, particularly during a period of protest by the Association of USP Staff and the USP Staff Union.
The university stated that in recent weeks, Professor Ahluwalia has officiated the opening of the new Solomon Islands Campus in Honiara, attended the graduation ceremony at the Tonga Campus, and participated in the Pacific Islands Universities Research Network meeting in Port Vila, Vanuatu. This week, he is leading the USP delegation at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Apia, Samoa, where the university is involved in opening ceremonies, exhibitions, roundtable discussions, and co-hosting the scholarship announcement by King Charles III.
The university strongly denies claims that Professor Ahluwalia is on vacation, stating that such assertions are entirely unfounded. Moreover, USP expressed disappointment over union members describing the Laucala Campus as a “marketplace,” highlighting that the campus facilities are among the best in the country, providing students with a top-notch learning environment. The recent establishment of the high-tech Solomon Islands Campus and improvements at the Emalus and Samoa Campuses showcase the university’s commitment to facility enhancement.
USP also clarified that reports suggesting the strike demand includes calls for pay raises are inaccurate, stating that staff terms and conditions are not part of the official strike mandate. The university has reiterated the Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro’s call for resolution through dialogue, adhering to the established processes and Fiji’s Employment Relations Act.