By Staff Writer
The University of the South Pacific (USP) Vice Chancellor, Professor Pal Ahluwalia, is on his way back to Laucala Campus, Fiji, this week, after more than 2 years in Samoa.
Professor Pal Ahluwalia, made his final goodbyes at a farewell function at the Alafua Campus last night, Tuesday 29 Oct. 2024.
The Head of State, His Highness, Tuimaleali’ifano Va’aleto’a Sualauvi II and Masiofo Fa’amausili Leinafo were present.
Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa, Minister of Education, Seuula Ioane Tua’au and Opposition leader, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi were present as well.
Professor Pal Ahluwalia, in his farewell speech felt deeply grateful to the Government of Samoa for having him and his wife Sandy set up at the Alafua Campus.
“Sandy and I came to Samoa at a time when we were extremely vulnerable and not sure what the future held for us,” he reflected.
“In Samoa we found an incredible sanctuary in friendship which we will cherish forever.”
The Head of the USP and his family were forced to relocate to the USP Samoa Camps at Alafua after he was deported from Fiji during the time of Prime Minister, Frank Bainimarama.
The new coalition Government of PM Sitiveni Rabuka, however, cleared the return for him and his family to the USP main campus.
PM Fiame, in response to the expression of gratitude, reflected on the spirit behind the decision to welcome Professor Ahluwalia and his family to Samoa.
“When challenges arose in Fiji, Samoa did not hesitate to open our doors to you professor, this decision was not merely to provide an alternative location, it was about upholding the true spirit of the University of the South Pacific, as an institution that belongs to all Pacific Nations not just one country,” PM Fiame, revealed.
A full report of the farewell exchange, follows in our Newsline Samoa Online video coverage of the official send-off function.