Secretary General's Statement – On The University Of The South Pacific
As the Permanent Chair of the Council of Regional
Organisations in the Pacific (CROP) and a Member of the USP
Council, I am disheartened by the ongoing and recent events
at the University
culminating in the deportation this
week of Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Pal
Ahluwalia.
I am confident that fellow Council members will continue to uphold good governance and follow due process to ensure the immediate restoration of strong leadership of the University.
USP embodies our
collective aspirations to pool resources for the common good
of our Blue Pacific Continent. The region takes pride in its
regional university, owned by 12 Pacific Member
countries
and one of only two regional universities that exists
globally.
The University plays a critical role in
building a strong future for our Blue Pacific Continent by
nurturing young Pacific minds to be critical thinkers and
preparing future leaders of our region. It
must be
supported to strengthen its good reputation and the
provision of quality higher education and training that is
responsive to the well-being and needs of Pacific
communities.
As we navigate through these challenging
times together, I wish all USP students and staff the very
best and the assurances of my
support.