Professor Pal Ahluwalia, the Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of the South Pacific (USP), is currently attending to official duties rather than being on vacation, contrary to some speculations. This clarification comes amid inquiries regarding his notable absence from the Laucala Campus, particularly during a period of protest by the Association of USP Staff and the USP Staff Union.
In a recent statement, the university highlighted that Professor Ahluwalia has engaged in significant activities, including officiating at the opening of the new Solomon Islands Campus in Honiara and attending the graduation ceremony for the Tonga Campus. He also participated in the Pacific Islands Universities Research Network (PIURN) meeting held in Port Vila, Vanuatu.
This week, he is leading a USP delegation at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Apia, Samoa, where USP is actively involved in the opening ceremony, exhibitions, and roundtable discussions, including jointly hosting an announcement of ACU Scholarships by His Majesty, King Charles III. The university firmly stated that any claims suggesting the Vice-Chancellor is on vacation are completely unfounded.
Furthermore, it was noted that some union members have referred to the Laucala Campus as a “marketplace,” a characterization that the university finds disheartening given the high standards of their facilities, which provide a cutting-edge learning environment. Recent developments, such as the new Solomon Islands Campus and ongoing upgrades at the Emalus and Samoa Campuses, reflect USP’s commitment to improving its infrastructure.
Additionally, the university clarified that the claim regarding the strike demand including a request for pay rises is inaccurate, emphasizing that staff terms and conditions are not part of the official strike mandate.
The University has expressed support for the Education Minister Aseri Radrodro’s appeal for resolution through dialogue, adhering to established university processes and Fiji’s Employment Relations Act.