USP to investigate how confidential documents on mismanagement of funds were leaked

The University of the South Pacific will be conducting an investigation on how some confidential documents containing allegations of mismanagement of funds by some current and former staff was leaked.

In a statement Pro‑Chancellor and Chair of the USP Council, Winston Thompson raised serious concern that the confidential document was leaked before any of the staff mentioned had seen the allegations and before any of them had a chance to refute them.

Thompson revealed that the document was first submitted to USP’s Executive Committee in March adding that it was decided that the allegations should be investigated and each of the named individuals should be allowed to respond before the Committee considered the document in detail.

He says that he understood all copies of the document were collected for safe keeping to allow for a thorough, independent and professional investigation, without influence from anyone and a report be submitted to the Executive Committee last month.

Thompson adds that when the Committee met in April, it was instead advised that the matter had been handed to FICAC.

When contacted by FijiVillage FICAC says that they will not be releasing any statements regarding this issue.

Thompson highlighted that last Thursday he was advised that there was an article on facebook with some details of what was in the confidential document and that a copy of the actual 11 page document is in public circulation.

He adds that a gross injustice has been done to the named individuals who have worked with great care and perseverance and who do not deserve to be treated in this way.

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