Professor Ahluwalia’s appointment is illegal - AG
Fiji’s loss and Samoa’s gain – Ro Teimumu

Professor Ahluwalia’s appointment is illegal - AG

Fiji’s loss and Samoa’s gain – Ro Teimumu

By Dhanjay Deo
05/06/2021
Attorney General, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and SODELPA MP, Ro Teimumu Kepa. [Image: Parliament of Fiji]

Attorney General, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum says the appointment of Professor Pal Ahluwalia as University of the South Pacific’s Vice-Chancellor is illegal.

The Council of the University of the South Pacific resolved a few days ago to offer a new contract to Professor Ahluwalia as the Vice-Chancellor and President of the USP and that he will work from Samoa.

While contributing to the debate on the Review of the University of the South Pacific 2018 Annual Report in Parliament last night, Sayed-Khaiyum says the Charter of the USP regulations is specific which says that when a person’s contract is terminated because of the cancellation of the work permit, the contract automatically gets terminated.

He says there is a particular process through which the Vice Chancellor is appointed which is to advertise, go through a selection panel and then an appointment is made.

He says Professor Ahluwalia could have been re-appointed if the USP Council would have gone through the process and Fiji would not have had any objections.

Sayed-Khaiyum also told parliament they have discovered that even though the USP Council had agreed that Professor Ahluwalia’s contract had been terminated, they continued to pay him.

He says Fiji is the largest contributor to USP which is in excess of $30 million and the next highest contributor is $2 million.

0% buffered00:00Current time00:00

Meanwhile, SODELPA MP, Ro Teimumu Kepa says there is good news as the USP Council has resolved to offer a new contract to Professor Ahluwalia.

0% buffered00:00Current time00:00

Ro Teimumu adds the parliamentary committee has stated in their report that $9.9 million grant was not given to USP when they were compiling their report.

She says this is the commitment that the Fijian Government has made and the allocation was passed in the budget debate.

Ro Teimumu says it is not good when the Minister for Economy who is supposed to be providing this allocation to USP does not provide it on time.

The SODELPA MP adds there was a request from some USP students who are trying to do their assignments at home but they do not have access to any study labs and do not have access to computers.

FEATURE NEWS
Drua put the Force to the sword with convincing 38-7 win
The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua put the Western Force to the sword in the Lautoka heat with a convincing 38-7 win. The Force struck just two minutes...
5 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
New Harrisons outlet in Labasa town creates employment opportunities
The opening of the new Harrisons Fiji outlet in Labasa Town has created employment opportunities for a few individuals in Labasa. Abdul Mozid ...
5 hours ago

Northern Division celebrates local talent at Women’s Expo
The Women’s Expo that was held in Labasa this week gave the opportunity for a lot of people in the Northern Division to witness and enjoy ...
5 hours ago

Prasad finally gets home ownership offer letter after 20 yrs of living in Narere PRB Estate
After more than 20 years of living in the Narere PRB Estate, Vishnu Prasad was all smiles as he became an official homeowner after receiving his ...
6 hours ago

Many LGBTQIA+ members still experience discrimination despite constitutional protection - Lewaravu
Despite constitutional protections, many LGBTQIA+ members still experience discrimination, exclusion, and abuse. This was highlighted by the ...
6 hours ago

More developments needed for Fiji to host Super Rugby Pacific “Bula Round”
The Super Rugby Pacific will continue to talk to the Government about making a Super Rugby Pacific “Bula Round” a reality in the future, but ...
6 hours ago



fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Latest Videos

Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH

Tragedy at PRB Flats: Couple found dead in suspected murder-suicide in April
A couple were found dead at the new Lagilagi Public Rental Board Flats today and it is alleged at this stage that it was a murder suicide case on ...
13 days ago

Tevita Ikanivere on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
The show focuses on Ikanivere’s journey, his family, career and how far the Drua has ...
25 days ago

TOP