Finding a solution
The
USP saga continues unabated and it is time to find an amicable and constructive
solution. All those involved should come together and iron out their differences
in the spirit of Pacific regionalism. We have so many challenges brought about
by the pandemic and can’t be bogged down indefinitely with a regional conflict
that affects our students, staff and their learning. The saga is polarising
nations and this is destructive for the development of higher education in the
region.
There
are huge climate change issues to be tackled and sustainable development
initiatives to be implemented and we cannot continue to be side-tracked. In
reaching an affirming resolution we must ensure that Integrity and Transparency
are never compromised.
Media
affected
From
the outset, the matter has been complicated by the shutting out of the media
from freely reporting council meetings or of covering press briefings of staff
or students held at Laucala Campus. When Ahluwalia was suspended last year and
deported last week, details had been sparse in the mainstream media. This had
allowed social media innuendo to thrive.
We
understand that Professor Ahluwalia was deported because he was a public risk
and that there were “continuous breaches of the Immigration Act.” There have
been no specific details provided of the alleged breaches. Weeks earlier,
social media had been rife with rumours that he would be deported. It was
reported that New Zealand's foreign ministry has expressed concern at the
implications of VC Ahluwalia's removal, and said it would work with other USP
Council members for a resolution.
Importance
of media
The
media is extremely important in helping the Fijian, Pacific and global public
to understand both sides of the conflict. They should be allowed to report
objectively without restrictions. Since they have been effectively shut out of
Laucala Campus and cannot cover Council meetings and press briefings by
Staff and Students, the Pacific public has not been able to get a holistic
picture.
They have been exposed mainly to Professor
Ahluwalia’s narrative. He is very articulate and understands that mainstream
and social media thrive on sound bytes during prime-time radio and TV news
segments. He has always clearly articulated his arguments pitching it as a
narrative of integrity at USP. I have chatted with 4 reporters from 3 Fijian
media outlets and from their tone, they are infatuated with Professor
Ahluwalia. He comes across as a ‘larger-than-life’ character from a Netflix
movie. He was abruptly suspended last year and last week he was visited in the
middle of the night by 15 officials yet all his images from both incidents show
him exuding inner calmness. It is hard to demonise someone who after an ordeal
says, “I praise the Lord and thank Almighty God for hearing the prayers of so
many people throughout the region and for good governance, integrity and ethics
to prevail.” (Fiji Sun 5-9-20).
Whistle-blower
Ahluwalia
has also shaped the narrative as "a classic case of beating the
whistle-blower up." This was a variation of his previous assertion that he
was the victim of a witch hunt, after raising concerns about governance issues
and financial mismanagement. He had alleged widespread financial irregularities
by his predecessor and the current pro-chancellor. An investigation
substantiated some of his findings and called for stronger oversight by the
university council. The USP's executive committee suspended him in 2020 when it
came up with 33 allegations. There were protests from students and staff, and
the suspension was later overturned by the University Council
When VC Ahluwalia had raised his allegation,
he had provided purported documentary evidence and had stated that he could
provide more if required. When the 33 allegations were made against him
(resulting in his suspension by the Executive Committee in 2020) there was no
mention in any of the mainstream media of documentary evidence being provided.
It was later reported that the USP Council looked at the allegations and that
‘A report from an investigation into allegations against Mr Ahluwalia, could
not substantiate any of the 33 claims.’
I
am not sure if the Media is inaccurately reporting the sentiments of
Ahluwalia’s accusers. Their narrative sounds defensive and does not clearly
attack the issues.
Solution
needed
Going
forward, it is important that the media is given access to report freely on the
USP saga (or any other sensitive issues in future). They should be allowed to
enter Laucala Campus and attend press briefings by staff and students and
should also be allowed to wait around for Council meeting briefings. This
is the only way that the Pacific public will get access to both sides of the conflict
objectively.
Although there have been many attempts to
demonise Professor Ahluwalia, he has continued to receive support from a
majority of Pacific nations in the Council including Australia and New Zealand
who provide recurrent funding for USP while Fiji’s grant is currently withheld.
It is time for Fiji and Nauru, two very close partners who have enjoyed very
cordial relations in the past to engage for the greater good of the region.
It is also time to follow the American adage
that if you can’t beat them (your adversaries), you can do the next best thing;
join them. With this adage in mind, this is clearly looking like a lost cause
and it is time to bite the bullet and work together for the greater good of
Pacific regionalism. If we keep prolonging this saga it will have long term
negative repercussions.
Joseph Veramu can be contacted at joseph.veramu@outlook.com
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