University of the South Pacific Pro-Chancellor and chair of the council and interim management group Siosiua Utoikamanu has commended Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka for reaffirming Fiji’s support of the regional university.
He told the 100th USP Council meeting that while there was a period in recent years when the relationship between Fiji and USP faced challenges, the Coalition Government moved swiftly and decisively to restore Fiji’s full engagement with the university.
“That action reaffirmed Fiji’s enduring commitment and helped steady confidence across our member countries,” Mr Utoikamanu said.
“Your government’s support for USP — for its governance, its stability, and its renewal — has been invaluable as the university navigates an important transition.
“We also acknowledge Fiji’s unwavering commitment to regionalism and to the shared vision that gave birth to this university. Those values continue to anchor USP today.”
Mr Utoikamanu said the centennial council meeting marked a milestone in its collective history.
“A reminder of how far we have travelled together, and of the responsibility we carry as custodians of an institution built by the region, for the region.
“It is, therefore, especially fitting that the Prime Minister of our host nation joins us to open these deliberations.
“Thank you for honouring us with your presence, and for the confidence your government continues to place in this university and its mission.”
