USP’s Head Of Marine Studies Speaks Out

An academic from the University of the South Pacific has urged all staff members to work together and prevent what could be the end of the university.

Head of Marine Studies Professor Ciro Rico in an email to the media in the Pacific said there was division at the USP.

“The survival of The University of the South Pacific is at stake,” Professor Rico said.

“How do we want to be remembered after we are gone?

“As the generation that triggered the end of 52 years of collective work because we could not agree on a common ground that will take us forward while respecting every country of USP’s opinions.

“Alternatively, perhaps you could think that it might be better to be remembered as the generation of university staffs’ that acknowledged the complexity of the problem, found a compromise, chose to learn from the lessons of the past and attempted to avoid the same practices that the two opposing sides, brought us to this point?”

Former Vice Chancellor Professor Pal Ahluwalia’s contract came to an end after he was deported from Fiji.

Following this the USP Council met a week ago.

Meeting on Tuesday

A meeting is scheduled for this Tuesday which could either strengthen the institution’s role or its function come to an end.

This spells disaster for many students.

Prof Rico urged fellow academics and staff to have their opinion known their council representatives.

“What we decide next Tuesday will have an irreversible effect on thousands of lives in the South Pacific, today in many years to come. In my humble opinion, this pointless war will only trigger the end of USP as we know it,” he said.

In his personal view, he said Prof Ahluwalia would never have been able to unify the institution.

Mr Rico said Prof Ahluwalia had the choice to work towards consensus and unification, but he chose to continue with the war.

“I always supported his quest against corruption, and he knew that, but never in the way, had he done it,” he said.

“He also knows that because I told him this several times. His Manichaean view of the problem is fundamentally flawed.”

USP staff, student unions

The USP Staff and Student Unions in a press statement have shown their backing for the expelled Prof Ahluwalia.

They have condemned an article by the newspaper where 11 academics spoke out against Prof Ahluwalia where they mentioned the hindrance in research and projects, something which had been going on since Mr Ahluwalia came in.

The unions have called on the anonymous 11 staff members to speak courageously and transparently by honouring their contractual obligations and follow the process set out in the ordinances and policies.