Fiji Sun Gets Fair Mention in 19-Page Report Making Rounds Among Academics
A19-page report signed by four senior University of the South Pacific members is making the rounds in academic circles right now. Signed by acting Vice Chancellor Giulio Paunga, Acting Deputy VC Education Jito Vanualailai, Executive Director Finance Kolinio
Boila and Executive Director People and Workforce Jone Maritino, the report claims to be an account of Pro-Chancellor’s interference into the University Management.
The report starts by providing a background into allegations put together by Pal Ahluwalia (obviously assisted by those who had issues with previous management).
And then of it course provides details of how and why the current USP management is not cooperating with KPMG.
Fiji Sun gets a fair share of mention in the report seeing that it was this newspaper which dug out all the alleged governance issues which were not previously highlighted.
Interestingly, the four have no qualms in saying that when Mr Ahluwalia had put forth allegations against his predecessor, channels were followed, the council ordered an independent investigation and the rest is history.
Why? Why? Why?
So, why is the council refusing to follow the same process when allegations have been made against Mr Ahluwalia?
And, why is this senior management team of USP refusing to cooperate with KPMG, citing confidentiality, when all books had previously been opened up for previous audits?
The core issue which should not be forgotten is that there are allegations of governance issues which should be investigated.
If it does get investigated by an independent body, the Fijian Government will release its annual grant to USP.
This money will also mean no one would need to forego their annual leave, annual bonus, or lose their jobs at USP.
Why is the council not willing to deal with this matter?
What exactly would the audit report find? What will the KPMG report find?
Who is scared behind the scenes?
While the council sits on its hands, students will suffer.