Growing Row Over Employment Issues At University Of The South Pacific

A growing row over employment issues at the University of the South Pacific in Suva is expected to come to a head on Monday.

Pro-Chancellor and USP Council Chair Winston Thompson confirmed the Executive Committee will sit on Monday to address concerns raised by a council member of alleged breach of policies and procedures.

The allegations were brought to the attention of the council members by Mahmood Khan, the Fiji Government’s representative on the USP Council. The chartered accountant is also the chairman of the Council’s Audit and Risk Committee.

Mr Thompson said the report by Mr Khan was an internal governance document addressed confidentially to members of the USP Council.

“I cannot deny that it exists. The document will be submitted to the appropriate body within the university for consideration,” he said.

Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Pal Ahluwalia had said earlier that it was an internal matter and that he was not at liberty to comment.

Professor Ahluwalia’s lawyer, William Wylie Clarke, had sent another email warning the Fiji Sun against publishing any of the allegations being circulated. Mr Clarke is the principal partner of Suva law firm, Howards.

Ten members of the USP Council sit on the Executive Committee. Five are locals and five from the region who will be connecting via Zoom.

Mr Thompson will chair the meeting.

Edited by Naisa Koroi

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