The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is warning of flooding of coastal land in the West Coast of the North Island from Cape Reinga to Ahipara, and the East Coast of the North Island from Cape Reinga to Whangārei, from Matata to Tolaga Bay including Whakatāne and Ōpōtiki and Great Barrier Island.
It is telling people near the coast from the Bay of Islands to Whangārei, from Matata to Tolaga Bay, and Great Barrier Island must move immediately to nearest high ground, out of all tsunami evacuation zones, or as far inland as possible.
The National Crisis Management Centre – or Beehive bunker – has been stood up in response to multiple major earthquakes and tsunami warnings.
NEMA is leading the response and coordinating with local Civil Defence Emergency Management Groups.
The Officials Committee for Domestic and External Security Coordination – a high level committee brought together to respond to serious security events has not been stood up at this stage – but is ready in case it needs to.
Emergency Management Minister Kiri Allan and National Controller Roger Ball are providing the update at Parliament.
A tsunami warning has been issued for NZ’s coastal areas after a 7.2 magnitude earthquake in the North Island.
Civil Defence says people near the coast who felt a long or strong quake should move immediately to the nearest high ground, out of all tsunami evacuation zones or as far inland as possible.
Nearly 60,000 people have reported feeling the quake on GeoNet.
It struck at 2.27am, 100km east of Te Araroa.
GeoNet has described the quake as being severe.
The 7.2m quake struck at 2.27am, 100km east of Te Araroa. Photo: GeoNet
Civil Defence says people near the coast who felt a long or strong quake should move immediately to the nearest high ground, out of all tsunami evacuation zones or as far inland as possible.
Nearly 60,000 people have reported feeling the quake on GeoNet.
It struck at 2.27am, 100km east of Te Araroa.
GeoNet has described the quake as being severe.
The National Emergency Management Agency is assessing the quake to determine if there is a tsunami risk to New Zealand.
It says people in coastal areas should:
Listen to the radio and/or TV for updates, and NZCivilDefence Twitter
Listen to local Civil Defence authorities
Stay out of the water (sea, rivers and estuaries, this includes boats)
Stay off beaches and shore areas
Do not go sightseeing
Share this information with family, neighbours and friends
By 3am, nearly 60,000 people reported feeling the quake on GeoNet’s website.
Many of them have taken to social media to describe the jolt.
Neiafu Town Officer Vava Lapota claimed he has lodged a number of complaints with Health Authority over what he has described as poor conditions of a restaurant in Vava’u but he hadn’t heard back.
Lapota said his complaints included the restaurant allegedly operating without a proper drainage system its waste water collected through their sinks.
He also complained that the waste water was collected before it was allegedly dumped into the seas.
He said there were concerns whether the restaurant followed the standard of sanitation required by the laws.
The restaurant and the Neiafu Health authority could not be reached for comment.
The Town Officer said he also complained to senior officers who visited Vava’u from Nuku’alofa recently about the conditions of the restaurant.
Lapota shared photos of the situations with Kaniva News.
He said he was worried about the health and safety of the people in Vava’u who were using the restaurant’s services.
Silence still surrounds allegations that MP Māteni Tapueluelu has confronted his brother-in-law MP Siaosi Pōhiva during a PTOA Party meeting in Tongatapu last week.
MP Māteni Tapueluelu (L), and MP Siaosi Pōhiva
It has also been reported that Siaosi has made an internal complaint about the confrontation.
On Tuesday night, Siaosi who is the Party’s secretary did not attend another Party meeting held at MP Tapueluelu’s Tongatapu 4 constituency.
When contacted by Kaniva News on Tuesday Tapueluelu did not deny the allegations. He told us he was willing to comment, but he was preparing to go to the Party meeting at Popua.
“I am happy to do so but [I am running out of time] for now,” he said.
He said he would make his comment later.
PTOA Core Team Leaders MP Sēmisi Sika and MP Siaosi were contacted for comment.
Previous row
This was the latest twist in months between the two bothers-in-law.
As Kaniva News reported in April last year, Tapueluelu accused MP Siaosi and other Party supporters of wrongly advising the late Prime Minister, ‘Akilisi Pōhiva, not to resign in April 2019 five months before he died.
Tapueluelu said if ‘Akilisi’s resignation had happened according to plan, he would have been able to assist a smooth transition of power and make sure the party still won the following premiership election. The Party was defeated after the 2019 premiership election.
Tapueluelu also accused Siaosi of engaging with people who were not Party MPs in power struggle which led to the demise of the party before the 2019 premiership election.
Siaosi told Kaniva News in a previous interview when questioned about Tapueluelu’s behaviours towards him he said he “was unmoved by it”.
That row between Tapueluelu and Siaosi led Party Leader Sika to call a meeting last year in an attempt to put an end to it.
As we reported at the time, those who attended that meeting had a head to head battle before they forgave each other.
Sika said at the time after the meeting the party’s core team had decided to accept the move by its members to restore their friendly relationships and stood together.
Eight months to go
Last week’s confrontation between the brothers-in-law appears to show one of them was still holding a grudge against the other.
Meanwhile, leaders of Tonga, New Zealand, Australia and US PTOA Movements split into two group of supporters with each either supporting Siaosi or Tapueluelu.
They both accused against each other of being power hungry.
With eight months to go before the November general elections the ongoing feuds within the PTOA party needed to be addressed immediately if they wanted to be in a better position to compete with the government’s backed PAK Party.
‘Epeli Taione who was charged with possession of Class A drugs received a 12-month suspended imprisonment sentence on Friday last week February 26.
‘Epeli Taione
His co-accused Creed Tongamoa received 15-month sentence and it was also fully suspended for two years with conditions.
Taione, who is Princess Pilolevu’s son-in-law, was convicted and sentenced to six months’ imprisonment.
The sentence was fully suspended on the conditions that he must not commit any further offences punishable by imprisonment for a period of 1 year.
He must be placed on probation during the period of his suspension.
He must also complete rehabilitation courses on drugs and alcohol as directed by the Probation Office.
In sentencing Taione, Justice Langi said the Crown submitted an overall sentence of six months’ imprisonment for possession of 0.01 grams of cocaine.
She said the court has consistently set a starting point of 12 months’ imprisonment for possession of a Class A illicit drug below 1 gram.
Justice Langi said: “I therefore set a starting point in this case of 12 months’ imprisonment. I deduct 6 months from the starting in light of the fact that up until now he has had a clean record.”
She said she noted that the probation officer is of the opinion that no rehabilitation courses should be ordered because Taione has denied using it and therefore does not have a drug problem.
Miss Langi said: “This is inconsistent with the evidence upon which I had convicted the Accused and inconsistent with his text message that he is sniffing at Creeds. It is disappointing that the Accused continues to maintain his innocence and maintains that he has no drug problem as this sort of behaviour is a sure recipe for re-off ending. Because of the infinitesimally small amount of cocaine in this case, I do not believe that an order for community service is appropriate”.
In sentencing Tongamoa, the judge suspended his sentence in full upon conditions.
The sentence was fully suspended for two years on the conditions that Tongamoa must not commit any further offences punishable by imprisonment during the period of his suspension.
Tongamoa must be put on probation and also must complete rehabilitation courses on drugs and alcohol as directed by the Probation Office
A man took the PTOA leaders to task for losing the premiership election in 2019 saying Popua and Pātangata villages had been disadvantaged by the loss.
A PTOA Party supporter asks the Party Leaders why did they lose the election to stay in power
He said plans designed to repair and fill their roads did not go as planned after the new government took over.
The man, whose name was not introduced before he took the microphone in a hall in Popua last night, accused the Party MPs of being power-hungry and causing chaos within the party
He wanted answers during the meeting as to why the Party was defeated after all the only thing for them to do was to nominate a Prime Minister to allow them to continue on running the government.
“How come did it happen?” the man emotionally asked the meeting who was attended by the Party Leader Semisi Sika, Tongatapu 4 MP Mateni Tapueluelu and some of the Party’s MPs as well as the supporters of the Party from the villages.
He said after Democratic Leader Akilisi died members of the Party “began vying for the premiership”.
The man said the Party leaders made who was going to be our next Prime Minister a focus of attention and forgot their duty to protect the power they were holding to continue on running the government.
He said the current Prime Minister was elected to Parliament because he ran as a candidate for the PTOA Party.
“Why didn’t you vote for him to become the Prime Minister because after all you will all become his Cabinet ministers?” the man asked. .
Another woman echoed the man’s concerns during the meeting and demanded answers from the Party.
The number of attendants as well as reactions in support of MP Tapueluelu last night was huge.
Tongatapu 4 MP response
The Tongatapu 4 MP Mateni Tapueluelu responded with an account of what he claimed was what was discussed in a meeting between him and late ‘Akilisi in which the then leader revealed to him his plan to resign as Prime Minister before he died.
Tapueluelu, who was at one stage seen visibly tearful, said he then sought advice from the then Acting Attorney General ‘Aminiasi Kefu.
He said the legal process for ‘Akilisi to follow before he could resign was documented and he handed it to ‘Akilisi in April 2019 and that was the end of it. ‘Akilisi did not resign. He died in New Zealand on September 2019.
As Kaniva News reported last year, Tapueluelu claimed people who were very close to ‘Akilisi at the time but were not Members of Parliament or Party members gave the late leader of the democrats wrong advice to stay in the premiership until his death.
Tapueluelu said if ‘Akilisi’s resignation had happened according to plan, the veteran democratic pioneer would have been able to assist a smooth transition of power and make sure the party still won the following premiership election.
Tapueluelu, in his response during the meeting last night, did not mention anything about claims his move to challenge Tu’i’onetoa’s being nominated by the PTOA to be the Deputy Prime Minister before the 2019 premiership election triggered a row which many believed it opened an opportunity for the noble MPs to approach some of the PTOA MPs urging them to join them in setting up a new party.
The People’s Party was then set up with strong memberships which included five PTOA MPs. They also won the premiership election of 2019.
Sika’s response
Party Leader Semisi Sika told the meeting last night he called a meeting after ‘Akilisi’s funeral and burial services and they agreed that Sika would be their next Prime Minister.
But in a followed up meeting it became clear to him some of the Party MPs had different plans about the premiership election candidates.
He said in one of their meeting the name of Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa, the current Prime Minister and the then Party’s Minister of Finance was nominated as the candidate for the premiership.
Sika said at one stage he told the Party to remove his name from the list as long as they were still standing together to win the premiership election.
Another version of why PTOA lost the election
As Kaniva News reported last year, Former PTOA Cabinet Minister Dr Tu’i Uata alleged that MP Tapueluelu wanted to become Deputy Prime Minister before the 2019 premiership election, even though the Party decided that that position must be given to Dr Tu’i’onetoa, the current Prime Minister.
Dr Uata claimed Tapueluelu’s persistence to have the post had enraged Dr Tu’i’onetoa who was already satisfied with being nominated as Deputy Prime Minister.
He said Hon. Tu’i’onetoa advised them in a meeting after the death of ‘Akilisi to stand together to make sure they won the next premiership election to fulfill their late leader ‘Akilisi’s four-year term.
Dr Uata also said Dr Tu’i’onetoa scolded Hon Tapueluelu during that meeting, accusing him of being bad-mouthed and two-faced.
Dr Tu’i’onetoa finally left the Party before he reportedly approached by the Nobles to form the People’s Party, for which he won the Premiership.
Dr Uata alleged a last-ditch effort to bring back Hon Tu’i’onetoa to the Party before the premiership election failed because Hon Tapueluelu refused to join them in a reconciliation meeting planned to be held with Hon Tu’i’onetoa.
At the time Kaniva News contacted Tapueluelu for comment.
Tu’i’onetoa supports Dr Uata
Hon Tu’i’onetoa told Kaniva News at the time Dr Tu’i Uata was correct when he said Tu’i’onetoa told members in the first PTOA meeting after ‘Akilisi’s death to stand together and leave everything as it was so they could win the premiership election and complete ‘Akilisi’s terms.
He said he did this because he respected ‘Akilisi.
“I told them let’s not rock the boat,” PM Tu’i’onetoa said.
“Let’s create a constitution for us to follow so that we are organised.”
Hon Tu’i’onetoa said they did not believe in him so he told them he quit.
He said he told them he has been through the same failed scenario before and he did not want to go through it again.
He said he told the Party before he left they would row about who would have the power and would end up in disarray.
This RNZ.co.nz story is republished with permission
Former All Black Charles Piutau’s long-held dream of representing Tonga could finally become reality at the upcoming Olympic Sevens qualifier in Monaco.
Players with dual eligibility can switch their international allegiance by participating in Olympic qualifying events provided they had a passport for the second country and have completed a stand down period of three years.
Piutau played the last of his 17 tests for the All Blacks in 2015 and first stated four years ago that he would love to represent his Tongan heritage.
Tonga sevens coach, Tevita Tu’ifua, said after a couple of false starts the signs are promising that a number of former All Blacks and Wallabies stars could pull on the red jersey in June.
“That’s a dream for me, to be able to have that opportunity to be given to those guys who have been playing for the All Blacks or the Wallabies that are based over in Europe, to have the opportunity if they change their mind to make themselves available for the ‘Ikale Tahi, this is the opportunity for them.”
Tonga have had previous success using the Olympic loophole, with Cooper Vuna, Atieli Pakalani and Nafi Tuitivake all switching their allegiance from Australia and New Zealand via the sevens route.
A former Tonga Under 20 representative, Piutau had been set to debut for Tonga at the Oceania Sevens in Fiji two years ago. The Bristol Bears fullback completed all his paperwork but didn’t receive the green light to take the field until a few days before the tournament kicked off.
“It was very short notice that we received a reply from World Rugby – it was on the second day of the tournament week we got the green light from World Rugby,” explained Tonga sevens coach Tevita Tu’ifua.
“So Charles was just too late to come from Europe to Fiji, as you have to play 50 percent of the tournament. This opportunity for this tournament is an opportunity for Charles and even Malakai Fekitoa and the like. There’s quite a few of them that are based up there.”
Former New Zealand sevens player Sam Vaka made it onto the field in Suva and Tu’ifua and hoped European-based stars like Piutau and Fekitoa could follow in his footsteps.
“He arrived in Fiji on the second day of the tournament. He played in more than 50 percent of our games so now he’s eligible so it’s just a dream and I hope that the players we are working on we will be able to change their mind have the opportunity to take it on and to represent our country.”
Players switching their allegience only need to feature in half of a team’s matches at the Olympic qualifying event, and would then be eligible to play for the ‘Ikale Tahi 15-a-side team.
Tevita Tu’ifua played 15 tests for Tonga, representing the kingdom at the 2003 and 2007 Rugby World Cups. The former national sevens star said if a few high profile players can switch their allegiance to Tonga it could lead to a seismic shift in international rugby.
“It will be massive for Tonga: for the people and also for the rugby itself and that’s why I think (former ‘Ikale Tahi coach) Toutai Kefu started the pushing through of the players in the list we are working on,” he said.
“And still behind the scenes Toutai is still pushing through and communicating with the players and hopefully we will get a few numbers and be able to give them the opportunity.”
By Christine Rovoi, of RNZ.co.nz. This story is republished with permission
Fiji Police are investigating allegations that a member of the Methodist Church clergy sexually assaulted 14 boys while serving on an outer island.
A Methodist church in Fiji. Photo: Facebook / Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma.
Police said the alleged incidents happened on Levuka, Ovalau, in the south of the country.
Police spokesperson, Ana Naisoro, said the latest alleged acts were committed between 2018 and this year.
“There is a report being investigated by Levuka Police,” she said. “The 14 victims are boys and juveniles.”
This is not the first time a member of the clergy in Fiji has been accused of sexually abusing children.
Just last year, the Catholic Church was rocked with allegations of sexual abuse against boys at a school decades earlier.
A man had claimed he was molested by a priest at the school when he was a student there.
The head of the Catholic Church warned any priests found to have abused children would be severely dealt with.
Archbishop Peter Loy Chong said he empathised with the victims of sexual abuse “with their hurt, anger, trauma and feelings”.
“I empathise with the pain that victims and their families have experienced and continue to experience”.
“On behalf of the church, I express our remorse for past failures and extend our sincere regret and deep sympathy to the victims of sexual abuse. The church apologises for any abuse perpetrated by clergy or religious workers.
“Sexual abusers have failed the Sixth Commandment – you must not commit adultery.”
Archbishop Peter Loy Chong. Photo: Supplied/Archdiocese of Suva
In July last year, Archbishop Chong met with leaders in the Archdiocese of Suva to address the issue.
He said the church in Fiji is committed to dealing with allegations of sexual abuse against minors by priests and religious workers.
The archbishop said the church would work closely with the arms of the law to ensure that justice is served at all levels.
He said the church would also provide pastoral care to the victims and their families.
More than a dozen priests in Fiji’s Central Eastern region underwent a Safeguarding and Training Workshop in Suva.
According to Archbishop Chong, the workshop focussed on the topic of sexual abuse against minors by priests and religious workers.
Methodist head warns against sexual misconduct
Meanwhile, the Methodist Church is yet to take any action against the clergyman at the centre of the latest allegations of sexual abuse.
The head of the church, the Reverend Ili Vunisuwai, said they would first await the outcome of the police investigations.
Speaking at this week’s retreat for church ministers and divisional heads, Vunisuwai said he would act once a report was received from the superintendent on where the alleged incidents happened.
“These are still allegations and if the reports say to be sexual assault, then we will take serious actions,” he said.
“The church is clear cut on our code of ethics. We will not condone such acts in our church.”
Vunisuwai said concrete evidence had to be produced to the Standing Committee, then the next cause of action would be decided upon.
“The normal procedures of the church begins when a report comes in from the Divisional Superintendent, that is my channel of procedure on how the person will be dealt with,” he said.
From left, Methodist Church president Reverend Ili Vunisuwai, vice-president Apisalome Tudreu, Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama, and former church presidents Dr Epineri Vakadewavosa and Tevita Banivanua, Photo: Facebook/Fiji govt
Vunisuwai, who has only been in the job for a week, said he has his work cut out for him.
He was the former General Secretary and was elected by the church’s Standing Committee – via a secret ballot – on 24 February.
The Reverend Iliesa Naivalu has been elected as the new General Secretary while the Reverend Semisi Turagavou is his deputy.
His induction service was held on Sunday at the Centenary Methodist Church in Suva.
Outgoing President, Epineri Vakadewavosa, said the church was living in perilous times.
Reverend Dr Vakadewavosa said it was imperative for the church to fulfil its role in bringing people into God’s kingdom.
Archbishop Chong and Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama were among those who attended the ceremony.
Vunisuwai said the violation of ethical practices such as sexual assault would be dealt with severely by the Methodist Church of Fiji and Rotuma.
He urged ministers to abide by the church’s code of conduct, no matter the circumstances.
The church is very clear on its ethical stand on that and we stand against any sexual issues because we do not condone those types of issues, he said.
“I am thankful to the church and the Standing Committee for putting their trust in me to lead the church into the new year along with the responsibilities bestowed upon me.
“We are letting our young ministers to take note of the code of conduct that will be part of my visitation into the 59 divisional levels and circuits.”
This is to raise awareness on sexual issues and code of conduct, Vunisuwai said.
The ongoing stand-off between the University of the South Pacific’s host country Fiji and its governing body, the USP Council, has put the regional institution’s future under scrutiny.
USP Theatre Photo: USP
The latest crisis came to a head three weeks ago when the whistleblowing vice-chancellor and president, Pal Ahluwalia, and his wife were sent packing by Fijian authorities over accusations the couple breached provisions in their work permits.
The government claimed the Ahluwalias’ conduct was ‘prejudicial to peace, defence, public safety, public order, public morality, public health, security, or good government of the Fiji islands’ as stated under the Immigration Act.
On 3 February in the dead of night, police and immigration officers descended on the couple’s Suva home. They were whisked away to Nadi International Airport and put on the next flight to Brisbane early the next day.
Many have expressed how this is not only legally questionable but everything happened at such high speed, there was no consultation, let alone due process.
The couple have completed 14 days’ of Covid-19 quarantine in a Brisbane hotel and are now left to contemplate their future.
In a statement issued on February 24, Chancellor and Nauru President Lionel Aingimea said he had invited Ahluwalia to Nauru.
University of the South Pacific (USP) vice-chancellor and president Pal Ahluwalia. Photo: USP
Who is Pal Ahluwalia?
Ahluwalia was appointed Vice-Chancellor and President in June 2018 but he did not take up the role until November when the 10-year tenure of his predecessor Rajesh Chandra ended. Chandra was seen to be close to the government.
Ahluwalia arrived in Fiji from the United Kingdom’s University of Portsmouth where he was Pro Vice-Chancellor.
Prior to that, the Canadian-born academic was Pro Vice-Chancellor and Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of South Australia.
He has a PhD in Politics from Flinders University in South Australia and a Master of Arts from the University of Saskatchewan in Canada.
His main research interests are in the African studies, social and cultural theory, in particular, post-colonial theory and the processes of diaspora, exile, migration, and the complexities of identity formation.
In 2018, Ahluwalia said the USP had an opportunity to become a truly world-class institution.
He had said the university’s next phase of development should be to continue to build on its reputation for research that has the potential to change lives in the region.
Ahluwalia has yet to accomplish this. Less than three years into the job, he has been forced off the main Laucala campus and out of Fiji.
Many close to the university feel Ahluwalia was a target since his exposure of financial mismanagement at the premier regional institution: losses which he claimed ran into the millions of dollars.
In May 2019, Ahluwalia alleged in a paper to the USP Council of serious mismanagement and abuse of office, involving his predecessor and other senior members of the university.
He also questioned the contract renewals of at least 11 senior members of the university staff including the payments of professional and development leave.
Forensic accountant BDO Auckland was engaged to investigate the allegations. But since November 2019, the report has not been made public amid calls for the council to do so.
However, a subcommittee was set up to look into the BDO Report’s recommendations.
For those who have viewed it, the report appears to make no clear reference to any outcome of possible breaches as outlined by Ahluwalia.
Instead, it only reported that four remuneration mechanisms at the USP were collectively exploited, leading to ‘instances of significant cash leakages’ over a number of years.
The BDO report, paid for by taxpayers of 12 Pacific island countries and USP student fees, is yet to be released for full disclosure on the allegations of the breaches.
In March 2020, Ahluwalia was suspended by the Executive Committee led by Pro Chancellor Winston Thompson and investigated for ‘material misconduct’.
Following weeks of protests by students and staff, Ahluwalia was reinstated by the council.
Thus began the stand-off between the council and Thompson and Co, most of them appointed by the Fijian government. Thompson himself a former diplomat.
Calls were then made for the removal of Thompson and Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee, Mahmoud Khan, who were accused of impeding the work of Ahluwalia.
Chancellor and Nauru President, Lionel Aingimea, did not mince his words when in June 2020, he labelled Thompson’s convening of a Council Executive Committee in Suva as “appalling”.
USP Chancellor and Nauru President, Lionel Aingimea. Photo: Nauru Government
Fast-forward a year and the man who exposed the alleged corrupt practices at the USP has been removed. Not by his employer, the USP Council, but by the Fijian government.
Dr Giulio Masasso Tu’ikolongahau Paunga has been appointed acting VC and president.
Many agree that Ahluwalia’s deportation has plunged the university into the biggest crisis of its 50-year history.
The deportation has also resurfaced questions about Fiji’s suitability as the host nation for USP due to its political instability and the lack of civil rights in the country.
Samoa has already put itself forward as an alternative host. Prime Minister Tuila’epa Aiono Sa’ilele Malielegaoi announced on February 12 that Apia is willing to provide a new home for the USP.
But how did the university get to this?
Pro-Chancellor, Winston Thompson Photo: USP
What is the USP?
The University of the South Pacific is an intergovernmental organisation and public research university with locations spread throughout a dozen countries in the region.
The USP was established in 1968 by the British who allowed the education system to follow its qualification system of the Commonwealth of Nations.
Its main campus is located in Suva which also serves as the university’s administrative centre. It also has two other satellite campuses in Fiji: Labasa and Lautoka.
The Alafua campus in Samoa hosts the School of Agriculture and Food Technology. The Emalus campus in Vanuatu is the location for the School of Law and the Nuku’alofa campus in Tonga holds the Institute for Education.
There are other centres in the Cook Islands, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Solomon Islands, Tokelau and Tuvalu.
The USP is owned by the governments of 12 Pacific island nations – the Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. Other members of the governing council include New Zealand, Australia and student representatives.
Its first vice-chancellor was Kiribati leader Taneti Maamau.
While the USP Council is the governing body, the VC is responsible for the daily affairs of the university.
Despite its multi-campus nature, the USP is not a university system but a single university with several branches across the Pacific region.
The USP has also produced graduates who have played important roles in the Pacific. Its alumni include Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown; Elizabeth Iro – World Health Organisation (WHO) Chief Nursing Officer; Ludwig Scotty a former President of Nauru; Bikenibeu Paeniu former Tuvalu PM; the late ʻAkilisi Pōhiva former Tongan PM; Joe Natuman former Vanuatu PM and Solomon Islands women’s activist Alice Pollard.
Winston Thompson Photo: USP
Clean-up or cover-up?
Interestingly enough, when the issue of Ahluwalia’s removal was raised in Fiji’s parliament three weeks ago, it was ruled out by the Speaker on the grounds that it was not a matter of national importance.
Fiji has the most students at the USP and has never failed to point out that it also contributes the most funds.
The scale of the reputational damage to the regional institution is enormous and raises serious questions about the broader, long-term impacts on Pacific unity, academic freedom, respect for human rights and the rule of law.
The government is adamant the USP needs a ‘clean-up’ against corruption: Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama had used this tune to justify his 2006 coup.
But his critics claim the FijiFirst government is now increasingly linked to the ‘cover-up’ at USP.
They say the lengths the government has gone to remove Ahluwalia show it has ‘lost the plot’.
Unions, civil society groups and political parties have also condemned the deportation.
Not the office of the Human Rights Commission in Fiji.
It has come under fire for its silence since Ahluwalia’s removal on February 4: Commissioner Ashwin Raj is an appointee of the Attorney-General.
More than three weeks after the deportation, Raj has called for an independent investigation into all issues arising out of the USP.
He said the investigations should include complaints raised by staff and students on the ongoing governance issues at the university.
Raj said these should also include grievances against Ahluwalia.
But more deafening has been the silence from the university’s major donors Australia and New Zealand: both countries have expressed concern about the situation at the USP but fell short to condemn Ahluwalia’s treatment by the Fijian authorities.
Are the political expediency and geopolitical priorities at play here? Do the region’s main partners still stand for the rule of law and human rights? Or have Wellington and Canberra surrendered their values for political profits?
Two weeks ago, Winston Thompson and Mahmoud Khan were referred to the university’s Executive Committee over allegations of misconduct against the senior members of the USP.
The committee will also look at written responses and provide recommendations to the USP Council by March 30.
It is not clear what the breaches are but the council, which met recently, said the investigation is to allow the process to take its course.
For his part, Ahluwalia has vowed to continue in his efforts to reform the university and his primary obligation remained with the students.
It’s probably the only thing on his mind as the USP Council is yet to decide on his fate.
A group of Tongan missionaries of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) in Papua New Guinea has gone into hiding in a church in Lae as unrest and violence erupted in the country on Monday, March 1.
Photo of looters at Gordon, a suburb of Port Moresby, the capital city of Papua New Guinea. Photo / Nigel Kutan (Facebook)
The chaos came after days of mourning following the death of the nation’s longest serving Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare.
Somare, 84, known as the “father of the nation,” died after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. He was a key leader in wresting the Pacific nation’s independence from Australia.
Police faced a mob at what appears to be a road in front of the LDS church in Lae, a Facebook live video seen by Kaniva News showed.
Shootings were overheard as hundreds of people fled the scene before they stopped and attempted to reorganise themselves.
It was alleged the shootings came from Police who were trying to disperse the mob.
The crowd were attempting to rob a nearby Chinese shop, it has been claimed.
The lootings and chaos in Gordon as well as in Eastern Boroko in Papua New Guinea were also caught on camera and shared to Facebook.
Tongan President ‘Isileli Fatani of the LDS Mission in Lae, the second largest city in PNG, who was in a building few meters away from the scene, said the situation “was terrifying”.
Sir Michael Somare, 84, died of pancreatic cancer on Friday. He was Papua New Guinea’s premier for a total of 17 years.
He said he was just arrived at their accommodation after driving down the road seeing people looting shops and businesses and fighting in other parts of the country.
He was overheard telling one of the missionaries to lock the gate.
He said they were hiding inside the church property while he was livestreaming the incidents.
He was also overheard asking one of the PNG missionaries at the property whether it was safe for them to leave the church and move to town.
Motive behind the chaos
Fatani claimed the motive behind the attacks was a reaction by the locals after the death of Somare.
“He was a Prime Minister they loved most,” Fatani said.
His video had racked up 1,300 comments and 1,400 shares within 10 hours after it was published to Facebook this afternoon.
In a post on Facebook a PNG commenter said the operations of the Asian businesses during a public holiday set in memory of Somare disappointed the locals.
“If all the PNG citizens can heartedly respect the great loss of our Founding Father Grand Chief Sir Michael Thomas Somare and the Prime Minister of the Day through NEC Declare Public Holiday today, which government law or order will these so called Asians be following or governed by?” the post read.
“I would suggest let there be a looting. Police must not deter any looting because these Asians must respect PNG law, respect our country’s Father’s mourning.
“Permitting looting will put a complete stop for any shop to operate.
“Let’s all respect our legendary father for the last time because he will never be seen again till we meet again in paradise.”
Michael Somare
The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat has remembered Somare.
In a statement it said: “It was with deep sadness that I received the news of the death of the Grand Chief, Sir Michael Somare, the founding father of Papua New Guinea and a warrior of the Pacific.
“Sir Michael’s passing leaves many bereft. He was the most humble of Leaders who always held his people at heart. His effortless lifelong charisma and humility drew people from all walks of life.
“He will be remembered for his profound vision and leadership as Papua New Guinea joined newly independent nations at the Forum Leaders table. In hosting the Forum Leaders and welcoming the region to his nation, he reminded all of the need to guard our unity as one regional family closely– even as he set to work leading Papua New Guinea into its unique role as part of the Pacific, and of Asia.”
Somare was PNG’s longest-serving prime minister, in three separate terms, for 17 of the country’s 45 years of independence.
