PROFESSOR Pal Ahluwalia says he will not give up the University of the South Pacific vice-chancellor post easily because he believes he owes it to his staff, students and the Pacific people to see it through.
Speaking to this newspaper from Brisbane, Australia yesterday, he said the USP Council had made it very clear they would look into his issue and he was ready to accept whatever decision they would make on his future.
“I don’t think the Fiji Government will allow me back into the country but that doesn’t mean USP can’t function from one of our other regional campuses,” Prof Ahluwalia said.
“For me the next step is to wait for the subcommittee that is looking into my deportation and other issues and to see what the council does.”
When asked if his forced removal from the country had made him reconsider being USP VC, Prof Ahluwalia said he was more determined to continue.
“I believe in standing up for the right thing, and more than that it is about respecting what my staff, students and so many people want me to do.
“I am beholden to my staff and students and I am really trying to do the best for the region.
“And while some elements may not like this, by the grace of God it is still very good that I can continue to serve the region.”
Prof Ahluwalia and his wife Sandra Price claimed 15 people made up of immigration officials and police stormed into their home and forcefully removed them about 11.30pm on Wednesday.
They claimed they were driven the same night to Nadi International Airport and deported on Thursday morning to Australia.
After a meeting on Friday, the USP Council appointed Dr Giulio Masasso Tu’ikolongahau Paunga as acting VC while they conducted a probe into Prof Ahluwalia’s deportation.
The council said USP was disappointed at not being consulted, as his employer, prior to his deportation.
