Fiji’s decision to not release its annual grants to USP smacks of vindictiveness – Chaudhry

Fiji Labour Party Leader Mahendra Chaudhry says the decision by Fiji not to release its annual grant to USP unless an independent inquiry is carried out into allegations against Vice Chancellor Professor Pal Ahluwalia, smacks of vindictiveness.

He made these comments following the announcement by the Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum in parliament today.

Chaudhry says it’s a case of cutting off one’s nose to spite one’s face.

He further says Fiji should know that USP will go on regardless of such petty behaviour and it is Fiji that will suffer.

Chaudhry adds these antics are giving Fiji a bad name and putting regional co-operation at risk.

He also says one wonders whether Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and his Economy Minister are working at cross purposes.

Chaudhry adds we have the Prime Minister making an upbeat statement in Parliament talking of regional solidarity and “building trust and confidence in our relationship as a forum family” while the Economy Minister is going all out to wreck this regional “family”.

Chaudhry questions whether in line with this new policy on USP, Fiji will also suspend payments under the Toppers and TELS scheme to Fiji’s USP students.

He adds he also wonders what Fiji’s two big regional donors and Forum partners think about such petty behaviour.

Chaudhry says maybe they can consider diverting some of the budgetary support money they donate to the Fijian government, to the USP to make up for the default in Fiji’s annual grant payments.