University Of The South Pacific ‘Mini Protest’ Wants Answers
Staff and students of the University of the South Pacific organised a mini protest/discussion yesterday conveying their concerns on allegations on the abuse of office within the administration.
The crowd gathered outside the Vice Chancellor’s office in solidarity happy to get answers on the allegations.
School of Social Sciences Associate Professor Morgan Tuimalealiifano shared his grievances on alleged mismanagement within the system and towards a press release statement by the Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Council, Winston Thompson, that he said undermined the authority of Vice Chancellor Professor Pal Ahluwalia.
“Pro-Chancellor and Chair Mr Thompson issued a statement with worrying comments where he said the allegations were unsubstantial and urged those named in the document to refute,” said Mr Tuimalealiifano.
“He used a very strong word there, to refute and not the term respond, which almost suggest that those involved to come out and prove that VC Ahluwalia is wrong.
“I don’t think that this is the kind of phrase that a person in a senior responsible position should be saying. He should have said there should be an opportunity given to respond to the allegations.
“It was wrong for him to say that in the press statement as he himself is implicated in these allegations. It was under his watch that former VC Rajesh Chandra signed off on many of the decisions and payouts.”
Many of those gathered shared their frustration on the situation and on what actions need to be taken.
“We should stand in solidarity with Professor Ahluwalia and respond to those standing statements by Mr Thompson,” said Mr Tuimalealiifano.
“We need somebody that is independent to look after the confidential report.”
“Pro-Chancellor is undermining the role of the Vice Chancellor’s authority and of his office as the Press Statement came out of the marketing office instead from the VC office”.
Concerned staff members and students of the university raised concerns, asking that the investigations process be made known to them.
Mr Thompson is currently in Vanuatu and attemps to contact him for a comment were unsuccessful.
Edited by Epineri Vula
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