Fiji still owes millions to USP: PM Rabuka

Fiji still owes more than millions in outstanding dues to the University of the South Pacific — a burden so serious that Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says he “almost turned back” after learning there was no clearance to address the arrears.

Mr Rabuka made the remarks at the University of the South Pacific’s Centennial Council Meeting in Nadi, stressing the urgency of resolving a long-standing debt accumulated during the previous FijiFirst administration.

The arrears arose after the former Voreqe Bainimarama Government withheld grants to USP for several years, citing alleged financial irregularities. The funding freeze left the university owed millions, creating a backlog the Coalition Government is now working to clear.

“We are getting there,” Mr Rabuka told Council members.

“On my way here, I realized we have a debt. Fiji has a debt. I made a quick check with my office; I almost turned back when they said we haven’t got clearance. But please partners, we are getting there.”

Permanent Secretary for Finance, Shiri Gounder, said the Coalition Government had restored full grants and begun repaying arrears in instalments.

“In the last three years, we have paid $102 million to USP,” Mr Gounder said.

“This includes $67 million in restored grants from 2023 onwards and $35 million towards the outstanding debt.”

A further $32.5 million has been allocated to USP in the 2025–2026 National Budget.

Despite these payments, the exact remaining amount is still unclear, with the original arrears described only as “in excess of $90 million”.

Mr Rabuka reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment to USP, calling the institution “a beacon of Pacific unity, excellence, and hope,” and urging the council to use this period of leadership transition to rebuild trust and strengthen governance.