Staff Writer
Samoa will remain home for the University of the South Pacific Vice Chancellor snd President, Professor Ahluwalia.
The USP Council confirmed the decision in a statement today , Wednesday 6 December 2023.
The Acting Pro-Chancellor and Chair of the USP Council, Professor Pat Walsh, issued the official statement which reads :
Further to the earlier announcement from Council on the reappointment of Professor Ahluwalia as Vice-Chancellor and President for a further two years from the end of August 2024, I would like to clarify that in accordance with his current contract, Professor Ahluwalia will continue to be based in Samoa, where the University provides him and his family a house.
As everyone will appreciate, this arrangement is not of Professor Ahluwalia’s choosing nor is it one that will be resolved overnight.
The matter of the Vice-Chancellor’s residential location for the rest of his current term as well as his new contract is being negotiated between the USP Council and the member-countries concerned and will be dealt with as soon as possible.
In the meantime, please rest assured that all travel expenses (including per diems) incurred by the Vice-Chancellor is within his Council approved entitlements and emoluments and irrespective of where he lives, it is expected that the role will entail extensive travel across the region and beyond.
Please also note that the Vice-Chancellor does not have any involvement in determining his per-diem rate or travel entitlements as this is set by the USP Council.
Professor Pat Walsh
Acting Pro-Chancellor and Chair
USP Council