News

USP Vice Chancellor detained

February 4, 2021 7:21 am

Professor Pal Ahluwalia

University of the South Pacific Vice-Chancellor Professor Pal Ahluwalia has been taken in by Police and Immigration officials.

USP Pro-Chancellor Winston Thompson says he is aware of the arrest of the Vice-Chancellor and his wife, Sandra Price however, he was not provided any further explanation of the arrest.

Thompson adds he is expecting to get more information about the incident when he will report to USP later this morning.

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USP Pro-Chancellor Winston Thompson

USP Staff Union President Elizabeth Read Fong says the Vice-Chancellor and his wife were taken in at midnight.

Fong adds that the USP Council, Chancellor, and Pro-Chancellor have been informed and staff will await their advice on their next move.

Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor Education, Professor Jito Vanualailai and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Regional Campuses and Estates and Infrastructure, Dr Giulio Paunga have issued a statement that business continues as usual for staff and students.

They have also asked all students and staff to remain calm throughout this situation for the safety and wellbeing of the university community.


The University of the South Pacific

USP Audit and Risk Committee chair, Mahmood Khan, says he is unaware of the incident and will only comment when he receives more information.


USP Audit and Risk Committee chair, Mahmood Khan

Political Parties, Naitional Federation Party and SODELPA have issued statements expressing their disappointments over the incident.

FBC News has contacted the Police and they are expected to respond soon.

Stay with us for more details.