The University of the South Pacific (USP) has confirmed that vice-chancellor Professor Pal Ahluwalia was housed at Holiday Inn for the duration of his trip to Fiji earlier this year.
The university, however, has not confirmed how long he stayed at the hotel and how much USP was billed.
USP said Prof Ahluwalia was presently based in Samoa as per his contract. USP also stated that the vice-chancellor travelled to member countries, as and when required.
“Any changes to the vice-chancellor’s contract and employment conditions are determined by the USP Council and if there are any decisions on his residential location in the future, announcements will be made,” USP said in response to queries.
“The USP Council met in May and the vice-chancellor’s performance was not discussed. Yes, the vice-chancellor stayed at Holiday Inn during the period in question.
“The vice-chancellor is based and operates out of Samoa and the university currently provides him accommodation in Samoa, as per his contract.”
When asked if this move contradicted the austerity measures in place for staff, USP stated it did not.
“It would be far more costly to renovate, maintain and set aside an accommodation for the vice-chancellor or any travelling officer of the university in every member country for visits, including Fiji.
“The quarters on the Laucala Campus, which was previously assigned to the VCP, is subject to maintenance as per USP’s policies and procedures.
“As per the terms of the vice-chancellor’s contract, suitable accommodation will be provided in the member country he is based in.”
